July 2024
Are we heading for an Animal Welfare crisis?
More than half of all households in the UK are pet owners and the costs of keeping them are growing. Many people are now giving up their pets, dogs in particular, as they cannot afford to feed them, let alone pay for the ever-increasing veterinary fees. For many of us, our pets are our only companion and a reason we get up the mornings. Hard times can happen to anyone, especially those affected by the cost of living crisis – seeing the cost of rent, mortgages, energy and food rise dramatically. Rescue Centres are full and have already reached crisis point from the fallout over the massive increase in puppy buying during the pandemic. Sadly, fewer dogs are now being adopted.
What do Rescues do?
Rescues are not government funded. They are a charity and rely on public donations to continue their valuable work. Rescues do an amazing job - They take in large numbers of dogs who have suffered cruelty and neglect.
Rescues take in strays from the local dog warden and the pound (who are also full) including some that are expecting puppies. They also take in and care for mistreated dogs rescued from puppy farms used for intensive breeding. They give them the medical treatment they truly deserve as many arrive in very poor health. Sometimes they need emergency veterinary treatment, most need routine vaccinations, flea & worming treatment as well as neutering and grooming.
Dog abandonment is on the increase and is just getting worse. There are many reasons for dog abandonment - owners cannot afford them, they become sick or pass away, they are moving house, ex-breeding dogs who are no longer useful or owners who simply cannot cope. Many puppies bought during the pandemic have a high rate of problem behaviours such as aggression towards other dogs and separation anxiety and need many therapies. Lack of research when buying a puppy online and not considering the costs of keeping a dog has also added to the problem.
Liza – abused, emaciated & bred to near death (Valgray’s Rescue, Surrey)
Rehabilitation
Rescue centres are so important. Their staff and volunteers are dedicated, highly trained and work extremely hard to keep the dogs well and help to build up their trust in humans. For example, puppy farm dogs are simply terrified of the world around them and that includes people. Dogs undergoing rehabilitation are given lots of time outdoors using different activities, training toys and taken on long walks. Then they have their dedicated foster carers who continue with their rehabilitation until a forever home is found.
Before the dogs are put up for adoption, thorough assessments are carried out to match them with their forever home. Rescues always provide further support and any ongoing training if necessary.
The small things matter
There are many ways we can support a Rescue, such as – free donations when you shop online, foodbank donation, fundraising events, corporate sponsorships and one off donations. The staff and the volunteers also visit schools with educational tools to talk about animal welfare - the importance of neutering and microchipping and teaching the value of the human-animal bond.
When you think that on top of the veterinary care costs, rescues also need funds to cover staff wages, utilities, food and day-to-day running costs. Funds are also needed for rescue operations, fundraising and promotions & education. There is a lot we can do to help, no matter how small. Just adding a tin or packet of dog food to the weekly supermarket shop can make all the difference. Alternatively, why not volunteer at your local Dog Rescue, or help support their fun dog shows and fundraising events?
Pet Foodbanks
There is a huge increase in people looking for help. Foodbanks are recognising the struggles dog owners face and are encouraging donations of dog food. There is help and support on The Blue Cross, RSPCA and The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) websites for those who are struggling. The Blue Cross and RSPCA have set up pet food banks across the UK as they say that no one should have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets.
It is heart-breaking to know that owners have to make difficult decisions as to whether they go hungry to feed their dogs, or to feel guilty when giving them cheap scraps that we eat when there is nothing else. Dogs need nutrition specially designed for dogs. Choosing supermarket own brands ‘complete’ dog food over branded dog food can save a lot of money and give them all the nutrition they need. If you know of any dog owners in need, please spread the word and help them wherever they are.
“Until one has loved and animal, a part of one’s soul remains awakened” – Anatole France, 1849
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/PetFoodBank
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/teary-eyed-vet-breaks-down-27921746