New research from dogsblog.com and Animal Friends Insurance has found that animal rescues are at breaking point in 2019 as more than half (56 per cent)1 say more dogs than ever are being abandoned, with an increasing number of dogs being abandoned and left to stray.
In ever-increasing numbers, a quarter of UK animal rescues (24 per cent) are reporting that dogs are being given up to shelters because they have been purchased as puppies and don’t keep the ‘cute factor’ when they grow into adult-sized dogs.
According to the dog adoption site, almost half (45 per cent) of animal rescues believe there is a worrying disconnect between people getting a dog and understanding the responsibilities involved in being a dog owner.
The Most Common Reasons Dogs Are in Rescue Shelters
1. Relationship split
2. Dog abandoned (i.e. straying, no owners present)
3. Moving home
4. Owner did not understand the responsibilities of pet ownership (i.e. dog growing into an adult dog)
5. New babies in the home (or owner pregnant at the time of giving the dog up)
6. Owner passed away
7. Bought a dog from a puppy farm or social media
8. No time for the dog
The Most Shocking Reasons Dogs Are in Rescue Shelters
1. “the dog didn’t stay the size of a puppy”
2. “the dog barked”
3. “the dog was licking its paws”
4. “the kids no longer wanted it”
5. “I wanted to go on holiday with my new partner”
Source: dogsblog.com
As a result of dogs being left to fend for themselves before being taken into a rescue’s care, a rising number of dogs in rescue need to be nursed back to health before they can be adopted by new families, with seven in 10 shelters reporting rising costs in vets fees over the last two years.
Shelters admit to spending on average £250 per dog and almost 95 per cent of shelters blame owners being inspired by social media trends to impulsively purchase a dog without understanding the responsibilities of owning one.
Whilst many dogs do need a home, people are being urged to give forethought to the commitment that is needed and the costs that are involved of things such as food and vet bills.
If you are interested in adopting a dog, visit dogsblog.com.
