"Fostering could be a lifeline to helping us rescue animals over the next few months" - Brian Reeves.

Charity appeals for help as animal welfare crisis continues.

The RSPCA has revealed that almost 700 rescued animals are waiting for space to open up in RSPCA centres, as the charity struggles to cope with the volume of animals needing help.

A total of 691 rescue animals are currently being boarded in temporary care with private boarding facilities, costing the charity £26,000 per week, excluding equine boarding costs.

Numbers of rescues in private boarding care right now are 120 dogs, 144 cats, eight small animals, 38 exotic birds, 35 birds, 132 equines and 102 farm animals.

Head of volunteering at the RSPCA, Brian Reeves, said: “We are struggling. Our centres are full to bursting at the moment which means we’re having to use vital charity funds to pay for animals to be cared for with private boarders, and have a long waiting list of animals waiting to come into our centres where they can start their search for a new home.”

In an attempt to ease the pressure, the charity is calling for foster carers to take in animals waiting for space in rescues.

Brian continued: “We are in the middle of an animal crisis and we can only see it getting worse over the winter months as the cost of living crisis bites.

“It’s absolutely vital that we free up as much space in RSPCA centres now, so we’ve got room for animal victims of neglect and cruelty we rescued in the coming weeks and months - and more fosterers is going to be crucial in achieving that.”

With a larger volume of animals coming into the RSPCA's care, and rehoming continuing to slow down, all 59 centres are struggling to cope with the crisis. The charity's Giving Up a Pet advice webpage has seen a surge in traffic this year, up by 42 per cent compared to entirety of 2021.

For further information on supporting the RSPCA as a volunteer, visit the RSPCA website.

Image (C) RSPCA