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.
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Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
