Rehomed animals sent back
STAFF at a rescue shelter say an "unprecedented" number of animals are being returned as Britain's recession bites.
Staff at Hull Animal Welfare Trust says 15 cats and dogs have been returned to its Sunnydene Animal Shelter in South Cave since November.
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'heartbreaking' Hull Animal Welfare Trust manager Amy Bryan with Sugar, who needs to be re-homed. Picture: Rob Stebbing
They blame the crisis on economic hardship as people struggle financially.
Manager Amy Bryan said: "It's very rare for animals we have rehomed to be returned.
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"So it's heartbreaking and extremely disappointing to see this many animals coming back.
"In a lot of cases, people's circumstances are changing due to the recession.
"We would urge people to think very carefully before adopting an animal from us."
Amy said many of the animals who are rehomed have been neglected and deserve a new lease of life with loving new owners.
She said: "Animals that come to us for rehoming are never from perfect backgrounds.
"We do our very best to ensure they go to people able to look after them and thorough checks are carried out.
"But we could not have been expected to foresee the reasons given by people who are returning cats and dogs to us.
"We had one dog come back to us because the owners were moving into rented accommodation.
"Another dog came back because the owner was being forced to downsize and two cats were returned by a woman who was having a baby."
Amy said the rescue charity, which was formed in 1982, is morally obliged to take animals back in that have been returned, for whatever reason.
She said: "It's part of our policy to always accept an animal back, whether it's five weeks or five years after they've been rehomed.
"I would ask that people carefully work out if they can care for an animal before they adopt.
"They need to consider if they can afford one, too.
"When you take vet fees and food into account, they are not cheap."
Amy said the pets being returned are compounding problems at the shelter, which is running at full capacity.
Currently, the shelter has 80 cats and 30 dogs.
Anyone wanting to adopt a dog pays a £125 fee, while a cat costs £70.
Amy said: "We are still seeing a lot of kittens.
"A few years ago, there was a definite kitten season.
"But kittens are being born all year round now, which is causing problems.
"It's very important that people get their cats neutered."
Anyone able to adopt an animal should call 01430 423986 or visit www.hull animalwelfare.co.uk for further information.
7 Comments
by funky15
Friday, February 08 2013, 1:02AM
“u can get a large bag of dog food from home bargains, for £6,50, will last at least 2 weeks , im sick of people getting puppys and 3 or 4 months later u see free to good home , please think before u get a puppy or a dog, i had my last dog for 16 years and our life revolved round him , i said i would never get another , now i got 2 x”
by funky15
Friday, February 08 2013, 12:57AM
“i have 2 dogs, my choice, they are part of the family, and if need be i would go without to make sure they fed, as it is they cost me £7.00 a fortnight , and they get bits and bobs also ,”
by Adam089
Thursday, February 07 2013, 3:33PM
“Dave_Navarro - what breed of pedigree dog do you think you'll be buying for £125? Maybe you should do some research on the subject before commenting.
In regards to the story, it's such a shame that people don't get emotionally attached to their pets like most others. If I was struggling with money and had a dog, the last thing I would do is give it away, I'd be heartbroken! Such selfish people in the world.”
by elliebean
Thursday, February 07 2013, 12:00PM
“That's a nice attitude Dave – I don't think. If everyone thought like this we would be in an even worse state. Its because people keep breeding their pets that so many dogs and cats out there are without homes the rescue centres are over flowing and still people breed their pets just to make money. Plus a puppy costs about £400 - £600 sometimes more and after that you have to do all the injections, neutering / spaying. Animals that come from rescue centres already have this all done before you adopt them. Moving house or having a baby is a pathetic excuse to give up your pet in my opinion you can always find landlords that accept pets if you TRY! Just for info I have a rescue dog we got him last year he was 3 years old and is perfectly house trained, affectionate and so well behaved. Rescue centres have to charge adoption fees to a) stop just anyone getting a rescue pet on a whim and b) to help look after other pets still in their care and cover their costs.”
by susieb10
Thursday, February 07 2013, 11:02AM
“You pay them for the pets that have been previously neglected or have had behaviour problems and their previous owners didn't want them. Lol as if they'd pay you for taking their pets Dave Navarro”
by Dave_Navarro
Thursday, February 07 2013, 10:45AM
“I'm not sure I am reading this right, if I adopt a dog do I get paid £125 or do I have to pay £125.
If you have to pay £125 why not just buy a brand new pedigree puppy that you raise in you own home to get along with you own family and pets.
Why pay £125 for an aging dog that might have unforeseen illnesses or behavioural problems.
Not wonder they are overflowing with dogs.”
by susieb10
Thursday, February 07 2013, 8:45AM
“Not surprised at all, the way things are going in this sorry state of a country we will have to sell our grand parents soon to make ends meet while millions of pounds are sent to Somalia or other third world countries. Its about time the millions stayed at home, here in Britain. Doubt if these countries would help us with anything if we needed any sort of help.”