The number of abandoned pets has risen by almost 60% during the recession, as households desperately try to save money to get out of debt.
According to figures from the RSPCA, households are curbing their spending by dumping animals at a rate of 30 each day.
In some cases, extreme measures are being taken by owners, as they kill their pets rather than face paying for costly vets’ bills.
In 2007, 7,347 abandoned animals were handled by the RSPCA. In 2008 this rose to 11,586 – a rise of 57 per cent and an average of more than 30 animals every day.
The latest figures from the first two months of this year unfortunately show that this trend has continued. The number of calls the charity has taken from owners wanting to give up their animals has risen by 52 per cent, and a further 1,432 animals have been abandoned. Cats and dogs are said to be those most at risk of being dumped.
As the recession bites, charities, like the RSPCA, are receiving fewer donations, and they are being forced to consider cutting jobs. This adds to the problem of increasing abandonment cases to deal with.
Tim Wass, from the charity RSPCA, said: “It is a challenging time for the RSPCA, but more importantly it is a crisis out there for the animals.
“It is an offence to abandon any animal and there is never any excuse for doing so. If people have pets they cannot care for, for any reason, then help and advice is always available from the RSPCA.
“We know things are going to get tougher. The RSPCA already works with countless other animal charities and groups and this may well increase even further as we all work together to combat the current downturn.”
With even a small dog costing over £20,000 to look after over its life, keeping a pet should be carefully considered – especially if finances are tight.
For households who are struggling with their debts, and where finances are causing them to consider giving up their animal, they may consider reorganising their accounts by seeking impartial debt help. Payments towards pet costs can be taken into account and can be included into a debt management programme, IVA or other debt help programme.
By seeking impartial debt advice, expenses such as these can be factored into your repayment schedule – whilst debts are still repaid at an affordable rate. For more information on debt management plans, IVAs or other professional debt solutions, please call the number at the top of this page.
Our debt and IVA advice is free and our debt help is tailored to your specific needs.
*By abandoned, the RSPCA means an animal that has been left completely alone to fend for itself, and has not been handed over to an RSPCA centre or any other organisation or individual to care for it.