Don’t let your pet feel the crunch

ANIMAL charities say pets are the latest victim of the credit crunch.

Shelters across the country are feeling the effects as they are flooded with waifs and strays whose owners can no longer afford to keep them.

Richard Hooton looks at how cash–strapped owners are abandoning their pets in Oldham and how tightening your belt doesn’t have to mean parting with your pooch.

WITH the economic gloom deepening amid a raft of job losses, it seems man’s best friend might be out on his ear too.

Nationally, the Blue Cross animal charity has seen a 56 per cent rise in the number of people handing over their animals because they are facing financial difficulties.

The charity, which rehomes thousands of animals each year, has also witnessed a three–fold increase in the number of animals being abandoned.

The Dogs Trust says it is receiving double its usual number of rehoming requests and has also seen an increase in the number of people citing financial problems as the reason for giving up their pet.

Staff at the RSPCA’s Rhodes Bank centre in Oldham have noticed an increase in abandoned pets — though the reasons for them being dumped are not always clear.

They are getting a couple more cats and dogs a week brought in or dumped and up to 15 more calls a day from people asking for help.

Cats seem to be the worst affected, with the latest strays including a ginger and white cat, a heavily pregnant cat that was dumped and a female cat and its two kittens.

Branch manager Mandy Tierney said: “We have seen a rise. We are getting cats and dogs dumped on a daily basis. It’s not all down to the credit crunch though.

“There is an increase but at this time of year you get it anyway.

“We can only take in so many cats and dogs. It’s very frustrating, especially for reception staff who are dealing with calls when people are saying they can’t afford to keep an animal any longer..”

And fewer people are coming forward to provide a new home for the pets, with the number being rehomed down 10 per cent on last year. Mandy added: “People are shocked that we charge money and think we shouldn’t charge but we lose money on every animal adopted.”

Money problems also mean people are less likely to take their pet to the vets or provide them with a healthy diet.

Mandy said: “If they are due routine injections or wormers or something is wrong with them, the owners are thinking they don’t have the spare money.

“Most people don’t use the excuse of we can’t afford to keep them but they come in asking for treatments as they can’t afford to go to the vets.

“I’m worried there will be more abandoned during the credit crunch, but I’m also worried that animals are not going to be fed the correct foods and people will skip things like vaccines.”

Caring for pets certainly doesn’t come cheap — the RSPCA believes that the average cost of keeping a dog for 12 years is £9,844 and £9,459 to keep a cat for 14 years.

But charities can help and in Oldham the RSPCA offers reductions on charges for veterinary treatments.

All the charities ask is that anyone struggling to cope should seek help from them before deciding to give up their pets because there may be a way to keep them together.

There is a range of tips to help ease the pressure of a pet on your wallet.

Animal charities say pets don’t need expensive gimmicks or toys — dogs enjoy a good walk as much as they enjoy the latest gizmo.

There are savings in food and medicine too.

British Small Animals Veterinary Association spokesman Mark Johnston said: “If pets are fed a good general diet, they don’t need any additional titbits.

“We see a significant problem with overweight animals, so you should regulate their diet so you’re not overfeeding them as that will end up costing more.”

People are urged not to skip vital vaccinations and to invest in pet insurance.

Getting your pet neutered can also save you from a costly litter and help prevent health problems in later life.

People in receipt of housing benefit or council tax benefit could also be eligible for free veterinary treatment from a charity such as the PDSA.

Andy Robbins, from the RSPCA, adds: “If people cannot afford to look after an animal full time then they can help care for animals in other ways, for example by volunteering at an animal centre or fostering an animal, which can be just as rewarding.”

For tips and advice on buying pets, visit www.rspca.org.uk.