Rescue centres have reported large rises within the variety of animals being handed in for them to take care of within the run-up to Christmas.
The RSPCA warned it and different charities have been going through an “unprecedented winter disaster” because of the cost of proudly owning pets.
Centres stated the quantity of animals they have been caring for had a knock-on impact with their very own payments.
Clive Richardson, from a sanctuary in Raunds, Northamptonshire, stated he “cannot cope” with the demand.
The RSPCA within the county stated there had been a 38% improve in individuals handing in animals over the past three years.
The charity stated it was the “mixed results of the pandemic and the continuing cost of dwelling disaster” that was inflicting the issue.
Mr Richardson, at Brook Farm Animal Sanctuary, takes in a variety of animals together with racehorses and greyhounds, and stated demand for his providers had risen.
“The telephones hold ringing each single day and it is not simply dogs and cats – it is also cows, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, it is simply every thing.”
He stated he lately had to assist a petting farm that was closing down, including the “animals desperately wanted someplace to go or they will simply go to slaughter”.
Teresa Underwood, proprietor of Redhead Rescues in Kettering, stated her vet invoice was now greater than £2,000 a month.
“It will get worse by the week and sadly a number of animals are being euthanised as a result of there’s nowhere for them to go,” she stated.
In a four-week interval this 12 months the charity took in 45 cats and kittens.
“I do like it nevertheless it’s exhausting. I’m on the go seven days per week from morning till 10 o’clock at night time,” she stated.
Debbie Postles, a trustee of the Excellent Adventure Sanctuary – a guinea pig home in Northampton – stated she was contacted by individuals who couldn’t afford their pets.
She stated the animals have been typically in good well being, nevertheless it was “the cost of preserving a pet” that meant house owners needed to give them up.
The sanctuary at the moment takes care of 24 guinea pigs and needs to tackle extra, however Ms Postles stated she didn’t wish to “compromise the care” of the animals.
The RSPCA stated there was assist for pet house owners to assist scale back prices, that means they don’t have surrender their animals.
It stated it had invested £1.5m in measures together with pet meals banks, welfare, and a dedicated website and helpline for cost of dwelling assist.
Follow East of England information on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a narrative? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830.