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RSPCA rehoming centres reach 'crisis point'
The RSPCA is facing a rehoming crisis, with more animals coming into their care than being adopted.

Animal intake now 42 per cent higher than adoptions.

Over 40 per cent more animals arrived into the care of the RSPCA last year than were adopted, according to new figures, leaving hundreds of animals in emergency boarding, awaiting a place at a rehoming centre.

The charity, which reports that it is facing a 'rehoming crisis', found new homes for a staggering 28,000 dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets in 2023 through its rehoming centres and independently-run branches. However, that figure was far fewer than the 40,000 plus animals that arrived at the shelters across England and Wales. 

With many animals having to stay in temporary, emergency boarding until a space opens up for them at a rehoming centre, it means that intake is 42 per cent higher than the number of animals being rehomed.

“Our rescue centres are jam-packed, and we’ve been seeing more animals coming to us than we are rehoming,” explained Karen Colman, who leads the RSPCA team finding places for rescued animals. “We urge anyone considering adding a pet to their family to step in and help by giving a rescue pet a second chance instead of buying from breeders,”

According to Karen, the charity's rescue centres are 'full-to-bursting', leading to a bottle-neck in which staff are having to care for rescued animals at emergency boarding kennels and catteries.

“Last year, the RSPCA took in over 40,000 dogs, cats and other animals, but only around seven out of 10 of those - 28,208 - were rehomed,” she continued. “This increasing discrepancy between animal intake and rehoming numbers is a worrying trend, and means so many animals are still waiting for a home”.

The figures come as the RSPCA launches its annual Adoptober rehoming campaign, which calls on animal lovers to adopt a pet from a rescue centre instead of buying from a breeder to help ease the pressure.

The drive celebrates the benefits of rescue pets, highlights the many animals that are waiting to find their perfect ‘forever’ match and dispels myths about rescue pet rehoming. 

Image (C) Shutterstock.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.