Pets abandoned as cost of living rises
RSPCA SHELTER HAS ALREADY TAKEN IN MORE THAN 200 CATS THIS YEAR SO FAR
A SHELTER in Burton has already taken in more than 200 unwanted, abandoned and cruelly treated cats from Staffordshire and Derbyshire so far this year.
The RSPCA’S Hillfield animal shelter in Stretton also has 23 dogs and 15 rabbits currently on a waiting list looking for new homes.
The charity-funded Hillfield Lane shelter has said during the cost of living crisis people are contacting the shelter on a daily basis wanting to give up their pets. The shelter, which is run by the RSPCA’S Burton and District branch, relies on seasonal events to help bring in muchneeded revenue, with monthly running costs for the home in the region of £10,000.
The cost of living crisis has been cited as the cause of people contacting the branch so frequently. Branch trustee Arthur Ashton said: “The cost of living crisis is having a big impact and our centre is currently receiving about four or five emails or phone calls every day from people wanting to relinquish their pets, which is absolutely heartbreaking.
“It costs an enormous amount to run Hillfield and look after the many animals in our care – and all of that is raised locally – so fundraisers like our Christmas fair are absolutely vital for us as a charity if we’re going to be able to carry on taking in unwanted and neglected animals from across the Midlands. We’re seeing more and more unwanted pets coming through our doors, yet vet bills and other costs have increased dramatically.”
The shelter will be hosting its Christmas fair tomorrow, Sunday, November 27 and has appealed to people in Burton to support it so it can continue its vital work saving animals. The fair is being held from 12 noon to 4pm and includes a Santa’s grotto for children and pets, stalls, raffles, games, produce and food and drink. Entry is £1 for adults and free for kids.
Mr Ashton added: “We’re appealing to all our wonderful supporters – many of whom have adopted from us in the past – to come along on
Sunday and help us raise muchneeded funds at a time when more animals need us than ever before.”
All the money raised will go towards helping animals like Bella the cat who is currently the longeststaying four-legged resident at Hillfield. Described as ‘quirky natured,’ the unwanted but lovable tabby and white cat has sadly received next to no interest from potential adopters since coming into the shelter’s care eight-and-a-half months ago. Staff would love to see her find a forever home before Christrmas.
We’re seeing more and more unwanted pets coming through our doors
RSPCA, Hillfield Lane Shelter