The number of animals in care at Lincolnshire RSPCA has doubled in the last few months
An 'astronomical' waiting list hangs over the head of Lincolnshire RSPCA as the number of animals in its care has more than doubled in the last few months. The charity is currently facing capacity problems at its centres, being made worse by an increase in calls post-pandemic, a slowdown in rehoming and a surge in the number of animals being handed over due to cost-of-living pressures.
Not only is the Lincolnshire branch facing many challenges many others are too.
Combined both the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire branches, estimate it is spending a total of £26,000 a week to private boarders for the temporary care of hundreds of rescued animals - including dogs, cats, rabbits, small furry animals, exotic pets, birds and farm animals - as its 59 rehoming centres are full.
Animals are based in private boarding establishments all across England and Wales - including six in the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire region.
In response, 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 RSPCA - to help ease the pressure.
Amy Farrell, the Chair of the RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid and Lincoln Branch says it's a challenging situation.
"We have seen a drastic increase not only in animals that are coming in via the inspectors, which is run by the National society, but also in members of the public coming towards asking for our help taking animals for various different reasons, whether it's due to not being able to afford them or not being able to afford veterinary fees. It's more than doubled, in the last couple of months, and the last month alone our waiting lists are astronomical."
In total, 691 animals are currently being boarded in temporary care with private boards due to a lack of space at centres - including 120 dogs, 144 cats, 112 rabbits, eight small furry animals, 38 exotic birds, 35 birds, 132 equines and 102 farm animals, because there is not enough room to home them elsewhere.
Capacity problems at RSPCA centres are being exacerbated by an increase in calls to the RSPCA post pandemic, a slowdown in rehoming, and a surge in the number of animals coming into the charity's care - as cost of living pressures continue to bite.
The number of animals rehomed is down - by 8% compared to 2020, and by 31% compared to 2019.