Millions of cats and dogs are at risk of being abandoned or put down on a scale not seen since the Second World War, warn campaigners.
They say Britain now faces an animal welfare crisis of unprecedented proportions, as a direct result of the cost-of-living crisis.
A campaign has now been launched urging government to work with charities and the veterinary industry to bring
in targeted animal welfare support across the country in order to prevent suffering.
Just over half of adults in the UK own a pet, with an additional 3.2 million joining British homes during lockdown. It’s estimated there are now 13 million pet dogs and 12 million cats, as well as 1.6 million indoor birds, and one million rabbits.
According to the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index Survey, approximately 20% of pet owners are worried about the cost of feeding their pet.
The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) suggests the cost of pet ownership can often exceed £100 per month. This, coupled with rising costs, could push many to the brink of financial disaster in the next 12 months. The RSPCA reported 22,908 abandonments in the first seven months of this year, compared with 18,375 in the same period in 2021.
Cats Protection confirmed the number of cats waiting to enter its adoption centres rose by 46% in July 2022 compared to July 2021.
Campaigners say without urgent action to offer owners financial support, many more pets will be at risk in 2023.
Animal welfare campaigner Dominic Dyer, leading the calls to establish a Cost of Living Animal Welfare Crisis Fund, said: “Millions of dogs and cats risk being abandoned, suffering due to delays in receiving veterinary care or being put down on economic, not welfare grounds.
“Losing a pet due to the cost-of-living crisis will not only have a significant and negative impact on the emotional and mental health of millions, but it negatively impacts those working in charity and veterinary sectors.
“This could also result in more dogs and cats being euthanised in 2023 than were lost in the pet cull at the beginning of the Second World War.”
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