Out with the old, in with the new - RSPCA on alert as festive discarding of animals

Out with the old, in with the new – RSPCA on alert as festive discarding of animals

Out with the old, in with the new – RSPCA on alert as festive discarding of animals

Out with the old, in with the new – RSPCA on alert as festive discarding of animals begins More than 50 cats and dogs a day unwanted during December

More than 50 unwanted dogs and cats are being taken in by the RSPCA every day over the Christmas period, with the charity warning that ‘out with the old, in with the new’ regularly applies to pets at this time of year.

The charity’s animal centres in England and Wales took in more than 1500 cats and dogs in December 2006, either directly from members of the public, or abandoned. When other animals are included, the figure rises to over 2,200 – 75 animals a day.

Other startling statistics show that:

· January sees an even greater rise in the numbers, with the charity expecting to take in more than 90 cats and dogs a day – a peak matched only by the summer months. These animals are not believed to generally be unwanted Christmas presents.
· often there is ‘no room at the inn’ – at least another 50 unwanted dogs and cats a day have to be turned down by the charity as many of the animal centres are full to bursting · the charity is currently taking 50 calls a day about abandoned animals, many of which may be left ‘home alone’ while their owners are away.

Mark Evans, RSPCA Chief Veterinary Adviser, said there could be various reasons for ‘peaks’ of unwanted animals.

“It could be that people don’t want to take their dog out for walks in the dark, or they don’t want their cat with tummy trouble bothering them when the in-laws come round for Christmas. The rise in numbers over the summer also suggests that perhaps some people try to re-home their animals before they go on holiday.

“Whatever the reason, it’s very sad. We’d obviously prefer that people brought their unwanted animals to us rather than discard them in some other way, but a pet is a responsibility for its entire life. If people aren’t able to take on that responsibility, we’d rather they didn’t take on the pet in the first place.”

He added that the January rise in figures did not relate to ‘Christmas present pets’ being dumped. Animal centre managers felt that they tended to see Christmas puppies from around March onwards, when the initial thrill had worn off.

Anna White, manager of one of the charities’ largest animal centres, Southridge in Potters Bar, said the ‘Christmas rush’ starts in November, with her centre alone taking in 69 dogs and 80 cats last month – with another 20 a day now being turned down.

“We definitely find that more people want to hand over their pets at this time of year, which is a real worry. There’s a feeling that people are clearing the decks during winter – out goes the tatty kitchen, out goes the mouldy carpet, out goes the unwanted pet. Out with the old, in with the new might be good in some ways, but it’s not good for animals.

“It’s heartbreaking that sometimes we have to turn animals down, but we’ll do our best to ensure they find a home somewhere. But this is why it’s so important that if people want a pet, they think about adopting an animal from one of our centres.”

– ends –

Notes to Editors

1. For more information please contact the RSPCA press office on 0300 123 0244.
2. Case studies of unwanted December animals: (other stories and pictures available on request)

Pongo and Purdey
Adult Dalmations dumped in a garden in Rugeley, Staffordshire, in the early hours of Saturday December 1. A neighbour heard them and took them in from the biting cold.

Moby, Esther and Sphinx
Two adult cats and a kitten found by dustbin-men near bins in Ashford, Kent on Friday 7 December. They were taken to RSPCA Ashford Garden Cattery where they were found to be healthy and friendly.

Rats
Two domestic rats found in a rubbish bin in Newport on Friday 7 December. RSPCA Inspector Nicola Johnson said: “These are domestic pets and dumping them in a bin is completely inexcusable. But for the vigilance of the refuse collectors, the animals would have suffered a grisly and brutal death.”

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099 Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 0870 0555500 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk