Cumbria bucks the trend; rehoming more animals last year than during the pandemic lockdown.

The RSPCA has launched their annual Adopt-ober campaign to promote the  adoption of rescued animals. New figures reveal more animals are going into shelters and the rate of rehoming has slowed - but Cumbria is bucking the trend.

The RSPCA is boosting their campaign encouraging prospective pet owners to consider giving a rescued animal a new home. National figures are raising concerns as more animals are being relinquished to charities at a time when rehoming has stagnated, as across England and Wales, rehoming has dropped 10% while animal intake is up 8.4% year-on-year. 

The animal welfare charity operates 14 national rehoming centres across England and Wales, while supporting a network of branches with an additional 45 animal shelters.

The RSPCA’s annual Adoptober rehoming drive has kicked off today and will run throughout October, promoting adoption and highlighting the many animals waiting to find their prr-fect forever home.

The charity fears that the cost of living crisis means more animals are coming into its care while less people are considering taking on a new pet. 

Releasing new figures today, on 4 October, World Animal Day, the RSPCA has highlighted a potential animal rescue crisis as more animals are coming into care, staying in rescue centres longer, and with less people coming forward to adopt. 

In 2021, the RSPCA’s network of centres and branches rehomed 26,945 animals; an 8% drop compared to the previous year when 29,358 animals were rehomed, despite the Covid pandemic affecting the way in which charities across the nation could rehome. 

The number of dogs rehomed by the charity also fell 6% from 4,877 in 2020 to 4,567 in 2021; while cats dropped 12% from 17,868 in 2020 to 15,579 in 2021. 

However, in Cumbria, the total number of animals rehomed increased by 26% from 271 in 2020 to 342 in 2021; bucking the trend seen in most other counties. The number of dogs rehomed increased 16% from 85 in 2020 to 99 in 2021; cats increased 1% from 184 to 186; and rabbits surged 600% from just two in 2020 to 14 in 2021.

Across England and Wales, the average number of days animals spend in RSPCA care from being ready to rehome to leaving for their new home, has increased for dogs by 9.4% - from 85 days in 2020 to 93 days in 2021 - and for rabbits - from 104 in 2020 to 117 in 2021, an increase of 12.5%. Cats length of stay remained the same at 67 days.

Pet welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “It’s really concerning to see that animals are staying in our care for longer and that less are being rehomed year-on-year. Unfortunately, we believe we’re really starting to see the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

“Many of the animals - particularly dogs - who are coming into our care have behavioural challenges which could be linked to how they were bred as well as lockdown limiting the amount of training, socialising and outside world experience they had. 

“We’re also beginning to see more animals coming into our care because their owners simply couldn’t afford to care for them any more; or, in the most extreme cases, having been neglected or abandoned due to the rising cost of pet care.

“Sadly, this is coming at the same time that potential pet owners are deciding now is not the best time to take on an animal due to the soaring cost of living, and feeling they cannot financially commit to adding a pet to their family at such a worrying time.

“For those who are able to bring a pet into their home, we are urging them to really consider adopting rather than buying. Many of our animals will already be neutered, vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms - making it much more cost-effective - and we will work them to make sure they find their perfect match.”

In 2021, the RSPCA saw more dogs, rabbits and other pets (including small furries, pet birds, farm animals and exotics) coming into its care than in 2020. Intake for cats and horses fell by 1.7% and 18.1%, respectively.

Last year, the charity rescued:

7,412 dogs - 11.9% more than the 6,624 in 2020;

7.1% more rabbits (2,731 compared to 2,549);

6% more other pets (5,900 compared to 5,566).

The RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index - released earlier this year - highlighted the impact the cost of living crisis is having on pet owners. The survey found that 68% of pet owners were concerned about the increasing cost of pet care while 19% were worried about being able to afford to feed their pets.

Figures released by the charity in August revealed that its cruelty line was receiving more than 100 reports a day of animals being abandoned throughout 2021; and the concern is that the longer the cost of living crisis drags on for, the more likely these figures will ride even higher.

 

Local long-stays are looking for love.

RSPCA Furness & Barrow Branch is seeking a special home for three-year-old cat, Stanley. He was rescued as a feral cat and has sadly been diagnosed with FIV so is looking for a home where he’ll be the only cat or housed with another FIV positive cat and can be kept indoors or confined to a cattio. 

He’d like a quiet home with owners who will give him time and space as he continues to build his confidence. He loves to play with his toys and is an independent lad who likes to do his own thing.

Seven-year-old Japanese Akita Maggie has sadly spent two years in RSPCA kennels during an investigation and court case which was delayed due to Covid. Now the sweet "gentle giant" is ready to start her new life in a wonderful new home. 

She’s a big girl who is looking for an owner with large breed experience. Although she arrived at RSPCA Westmorland Branch with another dog she prefers her own company so would like to be the only pet in her new home. She’d be best suited to an adult home but really enjoys fuss and attention, and even knows lots of tricks and commands.

Youngster Sam was just a kitten when he arrived at RSPCA Cumbria North & East Branch and he was very shy and frightened. He likes to be stroked but will occasionally give a little hiss if he feels uncomfortable. 

Sam is looking for an adult home with an experienced cat owner where he’ll be the only pet and can slowly build in confidence. He’d love his own space but with time, he’ll become a wonderful companion who will truly come out of his shell.

Ten-month-old bunny besties Mabel & Martha are cheeky, energetic ladies who are looking for an outdoor home together where they can binky, dig and play. They’d like a large enclosure with plenty of space for them both to run and lots of enrichment to keep them busy. 

The team at RSPCA Cumbria West wants them to stay together and could go to a family with children.

The Cumbria West team is also looking for a loving home for friendly one-year-old cat, Mikey. He’s FIV positive so needs an indoor home but could live with another puss. He’s an amicable, chatty and gentle lad who loves lazing on the sofa and adores his brother, Marlon, so would love to find a home with him. 

Could you offer a rescue pet a loving new home?

Please visit Find A Pet to see all of the animals currently in our care who are looking for their paw-fect match. 

If you can’t offer a rescue pet a new home perhaps you could help in a different way?

Become a fosterer for a sick pet recovering from surgery or a youngster who needs to learn how to behave in a home;

Help continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming by donating online or calling our donation line on 0300 123 8181;

Sponsor a cat pod or a dog kennel and help take care of the animals during their stay with the RSPCA;

Support the work of your local centre or branch by becoming a volunteer or donating to them directly.