Target: Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – UK
Goal: Implement measures to mitigate the pet abandonment crisis and provide support for animal shelters overwhelmed by rising intakes.
Increasingly, animal shelters are swamped with abandoned pets, a dire situation exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis. Rescue centres, such as those in Northamptonshire, face an unparalleled influx of animals, including dogs, cats, and farm animals. With the pandemic’s lingering impact and escalating living expenses, the RSPCA reports a 38% surge in pet relinquishments over three years. This predicament places an immense strain on resources, threatening the welfare of countless animals.
Particularly poignant are the cases of Brook Farm Animal Sanctuary and Redhead Rescues in Kettering. Clive Richardson, overwhelmed by the escalating demands, highlights the diverse range of animals seeking refuge. Teresa Underwood’s struggles at Redhead Rescues paint a grimmer picture, with monthly veterinary expenses surpassing £2,000, often resulting in the euthanization of animals due to lack of space. Furthermore, the Excellent Adventure Sanctuary for guinea pigs illustrates the heartbreaking reality: healthy pets surrendered solely due to financial constraints.
Urgent intervention is imperative. The pet abandonment crisis not only reflects societal challenges but also brings forth ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. The government must take action. This petition demands immediate measures to support animal shelters and prevent unnecessary relinquishments. Such steps could include financial aid for shelters, public awareness campaigns, and assistance programs for pet owners facing economic hardships. It’s time to act.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Steve Barclay,
The escalating crisis of pet abandonment in the UK, particularly evident in Northamptonshire, necessitates your urgent attention. Rescue centres are inundated with animals, a situation fuelled by the cost of living crisis and the pandemic’s aftermath. This surge, as reported by the RSPCA, has seen a 38% increase in pet relinquishments over three years, pushing animal shelters to their limits and beyond.
At Brook Farm Animal Sanctuary, Clive Richardson faces a daily deluge of calls for help. Teresa Underwood of Redhead Rescues struggles with soaring veterinary costs, leading to the distressing euthanization of animals. The Excellent Adventure Sanctuary, catering to guinea pigs, turns away healthy pets because owners can no longer afford their upkeep. These examples underscore the magnitude of the crisis and the dire need for support.
We implore you to implement policies that support animal shelters and prevent unnecessary pet abandonment. This can include financial aid for shelters, educational campaigns to promote responsible pet ownership, and assistance programs for financially struggling pet owners. Your immediate action can alleviate this crisis and safeguard the welfare of countless animals.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Юрій Кепа
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