RSPCA staff are working hard to keep pets in loving homes

An animal-loving local MP dropped into a cost-of-living session to help him better understand how to support struggling constituents who have pets.

Dog owner Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, attended a House of Commons advice event organised by the RSPCA whose staff are working hard to keep pets in loving homes in the face of soaring cases of abandoned animals.

Mr Madders said: “I will be doing my bit to ensure that the right help, support and information is available to my constituents. The cost-of-living crisis is taking its toll.

“It was wonderful to hear about the cost-of-living assistance the RSPCA is offering – including financial support for many organisations, a dedicated cost of living hub and a new helpline

“It was also devastating to find out that almost 80 per cent of RSPCA rescue officers have reported seeing animals suffering as a result of the cost of living crisis.

“I urge anyone who is struggling with pet care and the cost of living crisis to use the resources the RSPCA has on offer to get the support they need. Keeping pets in loving homes is a definite priority and I am keen to help signpost to places of support.”

Harriet Main, RSPCA public affairs manager, says the cost-of-living crisis is the single biggest animal welfare challenge right now. “We are sadly seeing an increasing number of abandoned pets. Money worries mean even the most loving owners are concerned about caring for their pets and in the worst cases are having to make the heart-breaking decision between putting food on the table and keeping their beloved pet,” she said.

“Recently we have seen a shocking 25 percent rise in the number of abandonment incidents being dealt with by our rescue teams and a 13 per cent rise in neglect incidents. In addition to this, rehoming is slowing down as people begin to cut back on spending. The number of animals leaving our centres for new homes has fallen by eight per cent.

“We are determined to do everything we can to help, but our centres are already full. There are approximately 700 pets waiting to come into our centres right now and we’re paying huge amounts on private boarding facilities due to these capacity challenges and slower rehoming rates.

“However, we’ve committed £1.5 million of extra funding to crisis measures, launched a new cost-of-living hub and a dedicated telephone helpline, while our pet food partnerships right across England and Wales continue to go from strength to strength.”

Pet owners can find a range of practical advice on the RSPCA’s cost-of-living hub. The charity has also launched a dedicated phone line for those looking for support - 0300 123 0650.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care visit: 

www.rspca.org.uk/give

Pictured – Justin Madders MP with Alison Fletcher, who co-ordinates the RSPCA Pet Food Bank Partnership in the North of England.