Birmingham Dogs Home has taken in 53% more animals than last year and its two sites are now full.


Vet Matt Perks with Bear, a four-year old Pomeranian, who has had a testicular tumour removed

A charity receiving a flood of calls is trying to find people who are willing to surrender their pets due to the current cost-of-living crisis.

Birmingham Dogs Home has taken in 53% more animals than last year and its two sites are now full.

Charity fundraiser Rachel Frost told Sky News: “I don’t think we saw that the cost of living was going to increase.

” We knew something about lockdown dogs, people not wanting to spend time with them, and the socializing aspect of dogs in lockdown. So we expected an increase in dog population that way. But the price of living has surprised people. “

The charity, which is also battling to absorb the costs of rising utility bills and fuel, is currently housing 130 dogs – with 93 brought to them over the last month.

Cersi, a one-eyed French bulldog, will soon be looking for a new home after veterinary treatment. She was taken in because her owner could no longer afford her.

“Everything’s gone up, so that’s really tough on families, it’s a very hard decision to make,” Ms Frost added.

At Christmas, the RSPCA rescued 29% more animals than the previous year in England and Wales.

The charity stated that it expected to witness a higher level of income by the summer because of the current cost-of living crisis.

A spokesperson for Sky News stated that: “For people who are having difficulty caring for pets due to the cost of living crisis, we urge them to seek support from family and friends, as well as charities such us.

“We’re concerned that we could see a rise in abandonments as the rising cost of living puts a strain on people’s finances or we could see a rise in pets being treated with home remedies to cut costs instead of being taken to the vet.

“This could all have a worrying impact on animal welfare. “

Tumours and knee surgery are just a few of the issues that Birmingham Dogs Home vets have to deal with.

The average cost of caring for a small dog is around PS50 a month, but that doesn’t include cover if things go wrong.

Vet Matt Perks explained: “In terms of insurance, there’s a wide range out there – but you’re probably looking at PS50 a month for a good level of cover with lifetime cover.

It’s worth it. If, for example, a dog ever needs an MRI scan, you’re probably talking PS2,500 to PS3,000 for a scan alone, some orthopaedic procedures we’re talking well into thousands of pounds.

” During lockdown people bought dogs thinking they were a smart idea. But then the problems start and it becomes a burden. This is why people end up having to surrender their pets. “