Shelters under stress: “It’s me, or the dog”
Although January’s financial woes are not new, many Northern Irish households are facing difficult decisions amid the cost of living crisis.
As pet owners in crisis surrender their pets, rescue organisations report a surge in demand.
According to them, many owners find it difficult to pay for basic needs like food and medication as the cost of living rises.
Carol Workman, Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary in County Antrim says that they have been using a “one-in-one out” system for the past one year and are experiencing huge demand following the Christmas period.
The sanctuary takes care of a variety of animals including dogs, cats and rabbits.
She says, “This year it has hit double for most people and for many people, the only thing they have is to give away their pet to me.”
It is a problem because Crosskennan cannot often help due its own financial situation.
Ms. Workman states that “we are facing all of the same problems as normal pet owners, but on a much larger scale.”
“Feed prices have been steadily increasing and simple things like cat litter are becoming a premium or impossible for us to get.
She explains that many of our regular suppliers have stopped supplying because they couldn’t make a profit at retail. This means we can’t buy or have to purchase from someone else at a premium price.
“The dryer and washing machine are constantly on and have required us to purchase electric radiators to heat some areas. Our boiler is damaged and must be replaced, but we don’t have the money.”
Ms Workman said that owners frequently contact the sanctuary to request their pets be admitted to the sanctuary for regular medication.
“A lot of people we have spoken to have been saying they need to give up their pet because they can’t afford the vet… so it’s a pre-emptive motion for many we’ve spoken to, to rehome before they potentially cost money.”
She described the situation as “distressing” for everyone involved – the owners, the sanctuary and the animals. Staff members try to help those in need, but have had to be very strict about numbers.
“We offer budgeting support and, when we can, food donation assistance.
“The truth of the matter is that many people believe they can get by without their pet, and that it will be okay financially. They don’t want anything else than to take their animal in.”
Fiona McFarland (president of the British Veterinary Association Northern Ireland branch) says that she is increasingly concerned by reports coming from vets about animal welfare being compromised due to owners putting off seeking medical attention because they are worried about their finances.
She states that if owners delay treatment, it can cause problems to get worse, more expense and medical care, and increased suffering for their animal.
We urge pet owners to talk to their vet about cost concerns. They understand that it can be stressful and can help them make the right decision.
‘Drowning in the numbers’
Friends of Rescue, Londonderry’s Danielle Magee says that they are experiencing an increase of people who need to surrender their pets because they cannot afford to take care of them anymore. Others have become homeless.
“Those surrendered because they cannot afford medical bills are often left at the vets. Rescues are then left to pick up the pieces.”
Friends of Rescue is 100% foster-based. traditional shelter overheads However, they are still affected by high fuel prices as they transport animals around the country.
Ms Magee explains Dogs Trust’s decision not to change their subvention. neutering scheme For those who are on means-tested benefits, it has had a “huge effect” on rescue requests.
BBC News NI was informed by the charity that they made changes to its scheme in May 2022. This allowed them to “direct help in a more targeted way”, including to rescue dogs, such as those in Northern Ireland’s local authority pounds.
“In doing so we can ensure that our money is spent efficiently and with maximum impact.
“We are aware that the cost of living crisis is having an effect on dog owners.
It stated that Dogs Trust received more than 50,000 requests from dog owners desperate for their dogs last year. This is the highest number of handover requests ever recorded in our history.
Ms Magee says, “This is a double-whammy because our neutering costs have increased by three times and it has also caused many people to not be able afford to neuter their dog. More litters are occurring and rescues picking up the pieces when puppies are unable to sell or are surrendered.”
“We are all drowning in the number of animals being surrendered both to rescues and to pounds, with the majority not knowing that dogs can be euthanized if the pound gets full every day.
“It’s truly heartbreaking. We feel like a broken record.”