Rescue centres have reported massive 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” as a result of cost of proudly owning pets.
Centres mentioned 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, mentioned he “cannot cope” with the demand.
The RSPCA within the county mentioned there had been a 38% enhance in individuals handing in animals over the past three years.
The charity mentioned it was the “mixed results of the pandemic and the continuing cost of residing 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 mentioned demand for his companies had risen.
“The telephones maintain ringing each single day and it is not simply dogs and cats – it is also cows, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, it is simply all the pieces.”
He mentioned he not too long ago had to assist a petting farm that was closing down, including the “animals desperately wanted someplace to go or they’re going to simply go to slaughter”.
Teresa Underwood, proprietor of Redhead Rescues in Kettering, mentioned 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 may be nowhere for them to go,” she mentioned.
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 evening,” she mentioned.
Debbie Postles, a trustee of the Excellent Adventure Sanctuary – a guinea pig home in Northampton – mentioned she was contacted by individuals who couldn’t afford their pets.
She mentioned the animals have been typically in good well being, nevertheless it was “the cost of maintaining a pet” that meant house owners needed to give them up.
The sanctuary at the moment takes care of 24 guinea pigs and desires to tackle extra, however Ms Postles mentioned she didn’t need to “compromise the care” of the animals.
The RSPCA mentioned there was help for pet house owners to assist scale back prices, that means they don’t have surrender their animals.
It mentioned it had invested £1.5m in measures together with pet meals banks, welfare, and a dedicated website and helpline for cost of residing help.
Follow East of England information on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a narrative? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830.