Overcrowded Hull animal shelter forced to stop taking unwanted cats
STAFF at an animal rescue centre saying they are being abused by people wanting to offload cats.
Hull Animal Rescue Trust's shelter is full to capacity with dozens of unwanted cats and kittens.
Now, staff at the Sunnydene Animal Shelter, near South Cave, are only taking in sick, injured or pregnant cats, as well as vulnerable kittens.
But the decision is provoking anger among owners wanting to rid themselves of their cats.
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Sue Sewell, founder of the charity, said: "We are regularly getting abuse from people.
"Often, we will get, 'call yourself a rescue charity?'
"But what can we do? We have 65 kittens and 40 cats.
"The shelter should really only cater for 40. We are saturated with cats.
"We have in some our offices. Many of our staff have taken some home. We even have kittens in an area meant for dogs."
Earlier this week, the Mail told how the Bridlington and district branch of the RSPCA has 66 cats and kittens in its care.
According to the national charity, the number of animals needing homes has reached an "unprecedented" level.
Mrs Sewell believes a number of factors are responsible for the problem.
She said: "The biggest factor, without doubt, is the fact people are still not getting their cats neutered.
"Owners need to be responsible."
Mrs Sewell said the weather and the recession are also playing a part.
"We don't seem to have seasons any more," she said. "As a result, cats are having litters throughout the year.
"Previously, kitten season, as we called it, was from June to September. But that's gone.
"No doubt, some people are parting with their animals due to the recession.
"But I do think some people are using that as an easy excuse. It's easy to say, 'I can't afford to keep the cat.'
"Ultimately, owning a pet is a real responsibility people need to take seriously."
Mrs Sewell said the trust has a 'no put down' policy.
Only desperately sick animals are put to sleep, she said.
However, Mrs Sewell fears some owners may be taking extreme measures as they find charities increasingly unable to take their pets in.
She said: "Animals under our roof are safe.
"We will keep them here until a suitable home can found for them."
Comments
by Yrbingwatched
Wednesday, August 08 2012, 10:51PM
“As a lifelong cat owner - all rescued (and neutered/speyed) how could anyone part with their pet due to the recession? Either you love your pet (cat, dog, bird etc) and couldn't part with it for any reason or you don't. We have 2 cats now as one of ours died last year of very old age and the thought of having to part company with any of our beloved pets would be unthinkable. I know people have difficulties but dumping your pets on a charity is simply selfish and irresponsible. Since when did it become difficult to have your animals speyed/neutered? There are schemes from time to time to enable people to receive reduced rates for the op - I've used them myself. Again, it's irresponsible ownership and pets are put through pregnancy after pregnancy and litters have to be found homes. I despair...”
by IHEARTRU
Friday, August 03 2012, 2:58PM
“We have two cats from HAWT. I had never had cats before but I have to say I have been converted. they give us hours of joy, love and laughs.
i would urge any one who is thinking of getting a pet to go to HAWT and get yourself a cat or dog or rabbit becuase these guys do an amazing job.
If someone from the shelter could reply I have a glut of Tesco cat food pouches that I have no use for could you make some use of them?”
by covcats
Friday, August 03 2012, 12:17PM
“sadly, its the same all over the country. We at Coventry Cat Group are the same as is the local RSPCA shelter. Annoyingly, its the people who lt their animals breed that are among the most abusive.
Still, all in a days work, huh?
We need legislation to help, such as in Belgium. Plus a ban on all THOSE internet sites....
We had to refuse a pregnant stray yesterday, it's heartbreaking.
Cats coming in are alsi ill, malnourished leading to a huge jump in vets bills and of course homes and donations have dried up.”