Westcountry animal charity launches 'desperate plea' over 'cost of caring crisis'
Bristol ARC - which takes in abandoned pets from across Bristol, Bath and Somerset - have launched an appeal for help as demand rises
A West Country animal charity has launched an urgent appeal for help over what it's calling the 'cost of caring crisis'.
It's amid pet owners seeing spiralling costs due to the cost of living, with Bristol ARC telling us that animals are being increasingly abandoned or handed over to the animal charity because of the financial burden their animals are putting on households.
Hector the Dog
The charity have shared the story of Hector the Dog - one of many animals who have arrived at the Bristol Animal Rescue Centre in recent months.
He arrived 'traumatised and afraid', after being found wandering the streets of Bristol last September, and required urgent medical treatment.
Hector was then put on a careful feeding programme whilst a team of vets, animal carers and behaviourists worked closely with him to restore him back to full health.
Rachel Serjeant, Canine Intake Supervisor at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, said: "The sight of Hector brought tears to our eyes when we first saw him, because he was so very thin and fragile.
"He was very scared and confused when he first arrived here and it took a long time for him to be able to trust people.
“We did a lot of work with him to gradually build up his confidence and teach him that not all humans are bad. Dogs like Hector need a lot of encouragement, sensitivity and positive reinforcement before we can get them ready for rehoming, it’s not something you can do overnight."
After undergoing a carefully planned rehabilitation and behaviour programme, Hector is now ready for a loving new home.
Rachel added: “He’s a sensitive soul, so we’re hoping to find him a patient, loving owner who can continue the good work we’ve done with him to help him overcome his fears.
"He struggles with other dogs, so prefers to be exercised away from them, and he can get worried by new people and new situations. Once he bonds with you though, he’ll be your friend for life, as he is so affectionate and loyal."
The cost of caring crisis
According to RSPCA stats, cases of animal abandonments went up 25% last year, whilst the first four months of 2023 saw incidents of neglect up 7% on last year – a sad consequence of the current crisis.
Bristol ARC have seen an increasing number of dogs with behavioural challenges that need extended rehabilitation, like Hector.
Zita Polgar, Senior Animal Behaviourist at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, said: “It’s a really difficult time for rescue centres right now because the number of dogs arriving with pre-existing issues is higher than ever.
“These challenges include a lack of socialisation to everyday experiences like vet visits or walks, as well as reactivity towards other dogs or unfamiliar people.
"To address these challenges, rescue centres like ours are having to extend rehabilitation periods. Of course we want to find these dogs forever homes quickly, but it’s essential to give them the support and training they’ll need in the long run."
Extended rehabilitation periods mean increased costs – all at a time when services are already under immense pressure and the rescue centre’s own costs have gone up exponentially.
That’s why Bristol Animal Rescue Centre has launched its Cost of Caring Appeal - to to raise enough money to see it through the difficult winter months, when it usually sees an increase in abandonments.
Jodie Hayward, Animal Home Manager for Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, said: “The cost of living crisis remains one of the greatest threats to animal welfare. It stops people looking after their pets the way they would like to.
"That’s why we need your support more than ever. With your help, we will continue working to ensure that no animal gets left behind."
You can find out more here.