700 rescued animals waiting for space in ‘full to bursting’ RSPCA centres
Surrey foster carers are urging more volunteers to come forward to house animals needing help
The RSPCA says it's paying £26,000 a week on private kennels because it doesn't have enough space to house the huge number of rescued animals coming through its doors.
Animals are now being held in private boarding establishments all across England and Wales - including seven in Surrey.
Campaign launches for new foster carers
The RSPCA has launched an urgent new drive to recruit more fosterers - who care for animals temporarily in their own home, while supported by the charity.
Brian Reeves, head of volunteering at the RSPCA, said: “We are struggling - including in Surrey.
“RSPCA centres across England and Wales are full to bursting at the moment which means we’re having to use vital charity funds to pay for animals to be cared for with private boarders, and have a long waiting list of animals waiting to come into our centres where they can start their search for a new home.
“We are in the middle of an animal crisis and we can only see it getting worse over the winter months as the cost of living crisis bites. It’s absolutely vital that we free up as much space in RSPCA centres now, so we’ve got room for animal victims of neglect and cruelty we rescued in the coming weeks and months - and more fosterers is going to be crucial in achieving that.
“Getting pets into loving foster homes - especially ahead of the winter months - will be a lifeline to our frontline officers and the animals in danger we need to rescue.”
Foster Carers urge people to get involved
77-year-old Maureen Austin from Woking has been fostering pets for more than 12 years with the RSPCA.
She has fostered six dogs, and more than 200 cats, including mums and kittens, orphans for hand-rearing, elderly and sick cats.
“I thought, what is it that I’ve always wanted to do? And the answer was work with animals!” said Maureen.
“All cats are different and I really enjoy spending time with all of the different characters.
Each time it’s a different challenge. Sometimes I just need to give them a good home, others I need to teach them how to live in a home or get them used to being handled.”