The RSPCA has released new figures today which show the extent of the decline in animal adoption in Greater Manchester.
This week marks the start of the RSPCA’s annual Adoptober campaign which aims to promote adoption and highlight the vast number of animals the charity has waiting for their forever-home.
However, this year the charity fears the cost of living crisis means more animals are coming into their care, while fewer animals are being adopted.
Releasing new figures today, they have highlighted the potential animal rescue crisis they are facing.
2021 saw the RSPCA’s national network of centres rehomed a combined 26,945- an 8% reduction compared to the 29,358 animals rehomed in 2020, despite COVID-19 making it more difficult to rehome animals across the nation.
The number of dogs adopted last year also dropped nationally- 6% from 4,877 in 2020 to 4,567 in 2021.
Greater Manchester saw the total number of animals rehomed in 2021 drop by 19%, from 1,308 down to to 1,053.
19% less cats were adopted last year and 38% less rabbits found their perfect match.
The number of other pets who found new homes decreased by 21%.
Only dogs saw an increase in adoptions, with 136% more- 52 finding homes in 2021 compared to 2020.
Across England and Wales, the average number of days for an animal to stay in the care of the RSPCA increased by 9.4% for dogs and 12.5% for rabbits- only the length of stay for cats remained the same.
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.”
She went on to say: “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.”
Last year the charity rescued:
- 7,412 dogs- 11.9% more than 2020
- 2,731 rabbits- 7.1% more than 2020
- 5,900 other pets- 6% more than 2020
The RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index was released earlier this year and highlighted the impact the cost of living is having on pet owners. It shows that 68% of owners were concerned about the increasing cost of pet care and 19% were worried about being able to afford to feed their pets.
The charity released other figures in August revealed that its cruelty line was receiving over 100 calls per-day reporting abandoned animals throughout 2021- they are concerned that this figure could still yet rise with the rate of inflation.
Long-stays Looking for Love:
RSPCA Manchester & Salford Branch is looking for homes for lots of bunnies, including:
- One-year-old Abe (pictured) was covered in injuries caused by fighting with other rabbits when he arrived in RSPCA care. He was wary and worried but he’s not much happier and more confident. He’s sweet, energetic and affectionate, and has lots of love to give. He loves to play in his tunnels and dig in the sand.
- Max, one, came into RSPCA care at just three-weeks-old when he was seized alongside 83 other rabbits. Now the case has concluded he’s ready to find a new home and would love a lady-bun for companionship. He’s a friendly, confident rabbit who loves to munch treats and chew his willow balls. He’d like lots of space to whizz around and would also make a good house rabbit.
- Two-year-old dwarf lop Humphrey (pictured top) was found abandoned on a beach in Lancashire. He’s an intelligent and active bunny who can be very nosey and likes to explore his enclosure. He’s cheeky and loves to climb on you and dig in the dirt. He can be shy at first but soon comes out of his shell.
- Tinkerbell, one, has had a difficult start to life but is now a happy, sassy bun who is looking for a home with patient owners who will spend time getting to know her. She loves to snooze in the hay and is very smart and sociable so will make a wonderful companion pet. She’d like a quiet home with a garden to run in.
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 us 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 us;
- Support the work of your local centre or branch by becoming a volunteer or donating to them directly.
