PETS ABANDONED

Tragically, animals are the latest victims of the growing cost-of-living crisis

Pets are being abandoned by desperate owners, as energy bills skyrocket and households struggle to make ends meet. Amid the cost-of-living crisis, there has been a 24% increase in the number of pets being dumped, rescue centres are inundated and families are turning to pet food banks. In 2021, an astonishing 38,087 reports of abandonment were made to the RSPCA’S cruelty line – equating to four animals being dumped per hour.

This year, with more than 100 reports being made every single day, animal shelters are overwhelmed. Adoption numbers are also plummeting, as people are simply unable to afford to rehome a rescue animal.

A staggering 78% of pet owners believe the rising cost of living will have an impact on pets, and one in five is worried about how they will continue to afford to feed their animals.

Woman speaks to a family in need and a woman keen to help.

Animal shelters are overwhelmed