GSPCA warns the rising cost of living is leading to an animal welfare crisis

Animal charities are already seeing consequences of rising cost of living.

The GSPCA helps thousands of animals every year and during the last two years we have seen a huge increase in pet ownership.  Sadly in recent months we have seen a sharp increase in those wanting to part with their pets many siting that they are struggling to afford their pets.

The GSPCA fears this is the start of an animal welfare crisis caused by a rise in pet ownership rates colliding with cost-of-living pressures. The charity is seeing an increase in animals coming into its care with many centres already full and others close to capacity, as rehoming slows down and more people are looking to give up their pets. 

From dogs to cats, exotic pets to hamsters the GSPCA has seen a range of animals coming in for rehoming for many reasons but a growing number due to the cost of their care from veterinary costs to their feed.

Recent research by the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) shows that demand for rescue dogs has declined in the past year while the number of dogs being abandoned is higher in 2022 than 2021 and 2020. Although there seems to be a variation in the evidence for cat abandonments, there is strong anecdotal evidence to suggest that there is a similar trend for cats.

Halita Obineche, Executive Director of ADCH, said: “There was a huge surge in people getting pets in lockdown and we are dealing with the fallout. Inexperienced owners unable to manage pets with behavioural issues caused by poor training and a lack of socialisation; workers returning to the office; and now the rising cost of living, all combining to create a national animal welfare crisis.

“Our members emerged from lockdown struggling with a lack of funds and a dearth of experienced staff. They are overburdened – both in terms of space and the emotional toll of dealing with an epidemic of dog abandonment.”

70% of ADCH member rescues surveyed, report an influx of dogs with behavioural issues.  This is in line with studies indicating that inexperienced dog owners are giving up dogs they acquired during lockdown and are now unable to care for, due to a variety of factors.  Anecdotal evidence from our members, also suggests that there are similar reasons for the relinquishments of cats.

Sara Atkinson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Yorkshire Cat Rescue, said: “We have seen a marked decline in the number of home offers we receive. This could be for many reasons such as post lockdown lifestyle changes and the rise in the cost of living which directly affects the ability for owners and new adopters, to be able to pay for the care of their animal. There has also been an influx of cats and kittens coming into rescue. We have seen an increase in relinquishment due to owners struggling to pay vet fees and we have also seen a significant increase in the number of unwanted litters. The rescues are now struggling to cope, and we are now at breaking point.’

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager and ADCH Trustee said “The GSPCA has a large range of animals in need of homes due to increased numbers coming in due to the cost of living.”

“Over the last two years the GSPCA has seen an increase in pet ownership, but recently rehoming has slowed and we have seen an increase in unwanted pets being gifted into the GSPCA.”

“We have even had a budgie arrive at the GSPCA as the owner couldn’t afford the veterinary care of the poorly bird.”

“ADCH rescues across the British Isles and Ireland are seeing a huge increase in animals coming in and the GSPCA want to remind islanders that if anyone is looking to adopt a pet to think about the growing numbers of rescue animals needing homes both at the GSPCA and the many others charities.”

“From adopting an animal at the GSPCA to sponsoring their care through our Angel Sponsorship Scheme there are many ways to help us and the animals in our care.”

To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf  

To download an adoption application form please click on the following -

For a Dog Adoption Application Form please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/GSPCA%20Dog%20Rehoming%20Application%202019.doc

For a Cat Adoption Application Form please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/GSPCA%20Cat%20Rehoming%20Application%20Rev%202.doc

For a Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Bird, Reptile and all other species Application Form please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Interview%20Form%20%28Rabbit%20or%20Guinea%20Pig%29.doc 

Once your form is completed please email to [email protected] or post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD and a member of team will phone you to discuss the animals in our care

To find out more about the Dog Adoption Procedure please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/services/dog-adoption .

To find out more about the Cat Adoption Procedure please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/services/cat-adoption .

To see the animals looking for homes please go to - www.gspca.org.gg/animals

For more information please call 01481 257261 or email us [email protected] .

About the Association of Dog and Cat Homes

• The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) is the umbrella group and leading representative charity for dog and cat rescue and rehoming organisations across the British Isles. 
• ADCH promotes best practice in animal welfare for dogs and cats. Members encompass charities of all sizes, from the smallest to the largest, plus some Individual members, so the number of people involved measures many thousands. 
• ADCH was founded in 1985 with the purpose of developing good practice in the rescue and rehoming of dogs and cats.
• ADCH hosts for the UK’s largest animal welfare Annual Conference, welcoming 500 delegates a day over two days.
• Visit www.adch.org.uk for further information on the ADCH and to see the 160 member charities that have 1000’s of dogs, cats and some other animals in need of homes
• ADCH Registered charity no: 1180574

Donate

Donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal

Puffin Patrol

In 2023 we are running a Puffin Parade and to sponsor a 4 foot puffin with the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey go to - https://puffinparade.org.gg/

Sponsored Event

Why not create your own sponsored event or challenge - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

For lots more ideas why not visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising

Wish List

Check out our wish list page from the smallest of items to our biggest of projects there are many ways to support us - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list

To visit our Amazon Wish list to see some of the items we need to help the wildlife please visit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList

GSPCA Wildlife Hospital Appeal

To make a direct donation please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal

To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Buy%20a%20Brick%20Wildlife%20Hospital.pdf

Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner

Legacies & Bequests

By leaving a gift to the GSPCA in your Will really helps us to improve the lives of animals into the future.  After providing for those you care for, please consider leaving a proportion of what remains to the GSPCA it is so appreciated and makes a real lasting legacy.

A gift like this to the GSPCA ensures our animals and those in Guernsey will always have someone to keep them safe. To find out more please http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding 

Gift Aid on Donations over £500

To find out about the States of Guernsey tax relief information on gift aid up to 2020 on donations totalling between £500 and £5000 please see the details by going to https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2617&p=0

2021 gift aid is from £500 and up to £7500 and here are the details - https://www.gov.gg/article/151830/Income-tax-relief

To download the form to claim for 2020 or before please follow this link https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1994&p=0

Become a sponsor and GSPCA member

Why become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor and support our work each month please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf

To become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf  

Share our posts and follow us on social media

Many of you will have seen us on social media and your support liking and sharing our posts is really appreciated, and to visit our social media pages please go to

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GuernseySPCA

Twitter https://twitter.com/GSPCA

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gspca-guernsey-965b0751/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gspca_guernsey/

Subscribe to our Supporters Newsletter

To subscribe to our supporters newsletter and find out about upcoming events and news please go to https://us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9324335c87c8b3ec9f0016f2a&id=e61c951a08

In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if have any symptoms of Coronavirus and we continue visits to the Shelter for only essential reasons and to please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus

With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal

Below are our usual opening times but with the current challenges due to covid these are occasionally adjusted to ensure we provide the best of care for the animals and those needing our 24/7 help, in an emergency please call 01481 257261

Upcoming Events we are at and need your help -

GSPCA Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday now planned for the 12th September - https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/animal-welfare-sea-front-sunday

Volunteer Induction Evening Thursday 630pm 29^th September

Dog First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 9th November 2022 - Ref - Dog 9/11

Cat First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 30th November 2022 - Ref – Cat30/11