Number of animals rehomed by RSPCA drops in Hampshire in 2021
It's also happening nationally
The number of animals rehomed by the RSCPA in 2021 has dropped in Hampshire from the previous year.
Last year 623 animals found new homes in the county, down from 648 the year before.
The animal welfare charity say this is the case across England and Wales, which has seen a 10% drop in total.
Meanwhile, they are warning that animal intake is up 8.4%.
Their annual Adoptober rehoming drive will run throughout this month, to try and match animals up with their perfect match.
Pet welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said:
“It’s really concerning to see that animals are staying in our care for longer and that less are being rehomed year-on-year. Unfortunately, we believe we’re really starting to see the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
“Many of the animals - particularly dogs - who are coming into our care have behavioural challenges which could be linked to how they were bred as well as lockdown limiting the amount of training, socialising and outside world experience they had.
“We’re also beginning to see more animals coming into our care because their owners simply couldn’t afford to care for them any more; or, in the most extreme cases, having been neglected or abandoned due to the rising cost of pet care.
“Sadly, this is coming at the same time that potential pet owners are deciding now is not the best time to take on an animal due to the soaring cost of living, and feeling they cannot financially commit to adding a pet to their family at such a worrying time.
“For those who are able to bring a pet into their home, we are urging them to really consider adopting rather than buying. Many of our animals will already be neutered, vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms - making it much more cost-effective - and we will work them to make sure they find their perfect match.”