29 November 2023 , 15:46
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Britain faces an epidemic of abandoned pets this Christmas as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, experts have warned.
The number of animals left out by their owners is at its highest level for three years, with the RSPCA reporting 1,800 abandoned pets in England and Wales last month, up by 48% compared to October 2020.
As well as the rising cost of feeding and caring for animals, the increase in pet ownership during Covid lockdowns is also contributing to what the RSPCA describes as a 'perfect storm.' More than 3.2 million households bought pets during the pandemic, according to 2021 figures from the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association.
As well as helping with social isolation, the change to working from home meant more people felt able to care for a dog or cat. But with workers increasingly returning to the office since the end of lockdown, that situation has changed for many new pet owners.
Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: "We're desperately concerned about the coming winter months -abandonments have soared and many rescue centres are full to bursting, so we are facing an unprecedented winter crisis."
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Young black and white cat Pi is one pet in need of a new home after she was left in her carrier in a stranger's garden in Peterborough earlier this month. Rescue officer Naomi Sadoff said: "There is help and support available and we would urge people to contact their vets, local rescues and animal welfare charities."
While the RSPCA takes in a large number of abandoned animals, small local charities and shelters are also facing huge pressures. Welfare group One Voice For Animals, which campaigns on behalf of smaller animal rescues, has an online directory of local animal shelters, so you can find out how to support one near you, just click here.
Homesick students seek comfort in dogs
Students are treating their homesickness by helping to walk people's dogs (Yelena Rodriguez Mena/Getty Images)Dogs are helping homesick students cope with loneliness as they settle into life away from home for the first time. A new dog-walking project at the University of Exeter pairs students with dog owners who are unable to exercise their pets themselves.
So far more than 100 students have volunteered, and the group are appealing for more pet owners to get involved. Student Kate Angus walks a dog called Bertie with her friend Ella Desmond every week. Katie says it helps her mental wellbeing, and Ella added: "I miss my dog a lot so he brings me a lot of joy."
Bertie's owner Gary Abrahams called it a 'win-win situation', adding: "It's wonderful for Bertie because he gets to walk and he can walk all day. It’s fantastic for me because I get to work and not have him under my desk."
Psychology professor Edward Watkins said: "We know that loneliness and isolation are often a problem for students and building student wellbeing is really important and one of the key things to do that is to build up connections and community initiatives and this sounds like a really good example of that."
Council workers find secret sofa surfer
The cat that was found by West Lothian council workers in a sofa (Scottish SPCA / SWNS)Council workers had a shock when a cat fell out of a sofa they had collected for recycling. The team were unloading the couch, which had been fly-tipped in West Lothian, Scotland, last week when the black and white feline tumbled out.
Animal rescue officer Aileen Maybury said: “When they tipped the lorry the cat fell out of the sofa and ran into the corner of the station.
“He is uninjured after the ordeal and we are hoping the owner of the cat recognises him. If anyone recognises this cat, or has any information about his circumstances, they should call our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
Webbox Pet Pic
We love a cute pet picture, and so do our friends at Webbox. And we all want to see your favourite snaps of your animal pals, so please send them in – the cuter the better. We’ll share as many as we can on this page, and in our brilliant newsletter too.
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14-year-old tabby cat, LucyThis week’s picture comes from Sharon Carlisle in Liverpool, who says: “I wanted to show you our gorgeous 14-year-old classic tabby cat, Lucy. I was trying to read yesterday's Daily Mirror when Lucy climbed up and decided to stretch out and chill, to stop me from reading my newspaper!”
Send your snaps to [email protected] or tag our socials. Make sure to tell us a bit about your pet and what makes them special to you. We can’t wait to see them!