[News] Pet Dogs Abandoned as Recession Bites LONDON, England (CNN) -- Meet Syria. The Border Collie is just 13 weeks old and was dumped by its owners. In the adjoining kennel eight boxer cross puppies have been similarly abandoned. Bruno is also waiting for a new home as the owner of the bullmastiff cross moved into a flat which does not allow pets. These are just a few of the animals currently being cared for at a re-homing center in London run by the Dogs Trust, the largest dog charity in the UK. "Our center is now full. We have more dogs coming into the center than going out. At this time last year, we had half as many dogs," says manager Richard Moore. Other dog shelters and re-homing centers across the country are also at bursting point as a result of an increase in requests for re-homing and a decrease in people wanting to take on the responsibility of looking after a dog. With insurance, food, grooming and toys, a dog's life can come with a price tag of £15,000 ($22,500), according to the Dogs Trust. And with millions of households tightening their belts as the credit crunch bites, some are opting give up their pets. The increase in requests for re-homing is attributed to the financial crisis. Owners either have to move to dog-unfriendly accommodation or can no longer afford to care for the animal after losing their job. "Moving as a result of the credit crunch is the number one factor for giving up a dog," explains Moore. "People also ring up to say they can't afford to look after their dog anymore, because they've been made redundant." On top of overcrowding, animal rescue charities face another problem; they rely on charity donations and are likely to suffer in those terms. "The expected increase in unemployment and decrease of disposable income is going to affect the donations," says Moore. Another concern for dog charities is that animals are given as Christmas presents. Unfortunately some of these dogs turn up at the re-homing center in the New Year as unwanted gifts. But dark times may be a good time to start looking after a dog, says Moore: "With the love and the care, the relationship that a dog can bring to you at a depressing time like this, is incredible. I have six dogs and certainly when coming home at night they put a smile on my face." Pet dogs abandoned as recession bites - CNN.com |
This is so sad:( There seem to be news stories like this every night here at the moment - in local news fairly recently puppies were found in a pillow case outside a block of flats! I donate monthly to Dogs Trust (only £2 a month which I know isn't much) and me and my mum donated dog and cat food and blankets to the RSPCA shelter near to us. I know that these are small gestures but even the tiniest amount helps to keep these charities afloat. A lot of the animal charities at the moment are offering free spay and neuters to low income families (for their pets obviously, not them:)) which I think is a good idea xx xxx |
So very sad. My husband & I were just talking about this today. I went to the shelter a few weeks ago with a friend to look for a dog & literally there were cages of cats stacked up in every nook, hallway & countertop. So many dogs..alot of pitbulls & pit mixes. They are thank goodness, a no kill shelter but there is only so much room. This is also happening with domesticated horses, they have found at least 63 abandoned horses abandonded into the wild because owners don't want to take care of them anymore. That is so heartbreaking, those poor horses don't stand a chance unless they are rescued. Nevada's wild horse population will not accept them & are very violent to domesticated horses and will kill them.:( |
The whole pet population is so sad as they are the first to go when things get tough. As many consider them "disposable" which is incomprehensible to me. These are living creatures who depend on us for everything for them. To suddenly just to abandon them must be so painful and heartwrenching for them (the animals), let alone to not how to even begin to care for themselves. Thank God that there are no-kill shelters out there along with the various rescue groups. They are a god-send for these pets. I also believe it is a wonderful thing that many shelters, humane leagues, etc., offer no-cost to free spay/neuter depending upon income. I myself could use this service as I will have to save for several months in order to afford Molly's spay as my income has recently been greatly reduced. Unfortunately, Lancaster's Humane League only offers low cost spay/neuter for feral cats. Unlike Phila. and Pittsburgh's shelters that have low to no-cost spay/neuter for low income people as myself. I will however, manage somehow. I would never not have it done, nor would Molly go without. It's too bad more people don't feel this way and be more responsible pet owners. Carolyn :woof: |
1 Attachment(s) So true...and my first Yorkie to Foster, was due to the economy & unemployment for his owner. Rocky's owner, was a long distance truck driver who actually took all 4 of his Yorkies on the road with him...until he lost his job before Christmas. Out of all 4 of his little brood, Rocky had health issues...Bladder Stones and needed surgery and he needed it now. So, I give his owner credit for doing the right thing and turning to a Rescue Group specifically for Yorkies (YTNR) and surrendering him. He's had his surgery and is recuperating, thanks to Lifeline 4 Paws who made his surgery possible! In the meantime, I'm fortunate enough to be able to provide for his recuperation time and getting him back on the road to recovery so, that he'll soon be on his way to a new home that will be able to afford his care should it ever become necessary again...crossing fingers it won't! |
It really is sad, but some people have to decide whether to eat, or take care of their pets. I wish there was a law that you had to get approval to have litters. |
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