RSPCA warns of dog rehoming crisis in Wales
The RSPCA has issued an urgent plea for adopters after record numbers of dogs entered its care in recent weeks.
In July, the charity was caring for 1,646 dogs across England and Wales, the highest number on record and more than double the total in July 2020. Dogs made up a third of all animals in RSPCA care that month, with 445 rescued in July alone compared to a five-year average of 245.
Because centres are already full, almost half of the dogs are being housed in private kennels. Along with other animals being cared for at boarding facilities due to lack of space, this costs the charity more than £650,000 a month.
Amirah Jones, deputy manager at Newport Animal Centre, said: “Every adoption frees up vital space for us to rescue another animal in urgent need. If you’ve ever considered adopting, now is the time – you could be the lifeline a dog is waiting for.”
Among the dogs looking for homes is Nala, a three-year-old terrier cross described as “a real little firecracker” who has gained confidence after struggling when she first arrived in care. Another is Billy, a one-eyed Patterdale cross rescued from a cruelty case, who staff say is “bright and playful” and ready for a loving home.
Glenn Mayoll, RSPCA operations manager, said: “The summer is the busiest time of year for our frontline teams tackling cruelty and neglect – and on top of this, we’ve been called to help with several major incidents involving hundreds of dogs at once. It’s been so incredibly tough for our frontline teams trying to find spaces so we can bring hundreds of suffering dogs to safety.
“Our centres are full and we simply cannot keep up with demand. Our teams are working incredibly hard, under immense pressure, to protect the welfare of every dog in our care – and we’re calling on the public to help us by considering an RSPCA rescue dog.”
Due to ongoing investigations the charity cannot release details of recent large-scale incidents, but it said dogs have come from situations of abuse, neglect and abandonment.
The RSPCA is urging people to adopt where possible or to share rehoming profiles to help animals find new families.
Glenn added: “We have all kinds of dogs that need loving new homes – from puppies to golden oldies, active dogs and couch potatoes, tiny pooches like Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs and big mutts like Belgian Shepherds and Cane Corsos – and everything in between.
“Some of our dogs may need extra special homes due to the suffering they have survived – but if anyone out there is looking to add a dog to their family, we’re confident they will be able to find one that suits them.”
More information on dogs available for adoption can be found on the RSPCA’s Find a Pet page.
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
