Charity reaches record requests to take in dogs, as pet food banks open across UK
Dogs Trust say they've reached 50,000 requests from owners asking to take in their dog
The UK has entered an 'Animal Welfare Crisis' according to Dogs Trust, who say they've received a recorded number of requests to take in dogs this year.
The canine charity announced it had crossed the milestone of 50,000 requests to re-home dogs in 2022 - the largest annual figure in its 131 year history.
There's concern that as the cost of living crisis continues, new homes may need to be found for a further 350,000 dogs.
It's after a YouGov poll revealed a third (33%) of the UK’s dog owners are worried that, as costs continue to rise in 2023, the crisis will impact on how well they’re able to care for their dog next year.
Almost half of the respondents said it had been vet bills (46%), followed by the cost of dog food (18%) and pet insurance (16%) that were their biggest financial concerns around owning a dog.
In an effort to keep owners and dogs together, the charity has opened a number of Dog Food Banks across the UK, in centres at:
- Kennelman’s House Lazonby Penrith CA10 1AX
- Whiston Lane Huyton Liverpool Merseyside L36 6HP
- 45 Amesbury Road Newton Tony Wiltshire SP4 0HW
- Highway Farm Uxbridge London UB9 6JW
- 315 Hamilton Road Glasgow Scotland G71 7SL
- Plumb’s Farm Hamstead Marshall Newbury, Berkshire RG20 0HR
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, says:
“Although it was inevitable that we would reach 50,000 calls from owners no longer able to care for their dogs, it’s still a shock and a stark signifier of the animal welfare crisis the UK now finds itself in.
“Through our December poll, dog owners have told us they’re going to struggle this Christmas, and many more are really worried about what 2023 is going to bring.
“We’re doing as much as we can at Dogs Trust to reach out and help dog owners who have been worst hit by the crisis. We’re expanding our help and support all the time so, if you’re having a hard time looking after your dog, please reach out to us before it’s too late - there are lots of ways that we can help.
“Our utmost priority is to keep as many dogs with their families as we can – and stop people having to make that heart-breaking decision to give up their dog.”
It comes after the Government revealed plans to help households save elsewhere - with a new £18 million campaign designed to give the public advice on how to keep their energy bills low.