Ask the Vet... Rescue Centres
As we spend the new year focusing on a restart, our resident vet, James Dutfield, takes a look at rescue centres and the animals seeking their very own fresh starts in new homes
An estimated 250-300,000 animals go into rescue centres each year. Some are abandoned, some are lost, others are neglected, and more are born feral, but all of them seek new, forever homes. This includes not only dogs and cats but horses, reptiles, exotic pets, rabbits, guinea pigs and farm animals.
Approximately 130,000 dogs enter UK welfare organisations each year
Approximately 129,000 cats enter rescue centres
Approximately 35,000 rabbits are abandoned every year
There are over 1000 organisations operating in England that rehome dogs, cats, and horses. The most common problem cited for the relinquishment of dogs were forms of destructive or aggressive behaviour. Behavioural problems accounted for 65% of dogs being euthanised in UK rehoming centres.
Some of the best-known rehoming centres in the UK are Cats Protection, Blue Cross, The RSPCA, The Dogs Home and Battersea Cats & Dogs Home. But there are many more local smaller rescue centres with an army of dedicated volunteers helping abandoned animals.
Often these centres are run entirely by charitable donations. But despite these sad figures, there are positive endings for the majority of animals entering rehoming centres. In 2019, Cats Protection rehome 41,000 cats! They reunited 2,500 cats with their owners and helped families on low incomes neuter 150,000 cats and kittens.
Some Interesting Facts About Rehoming Centres:
Grey and ginger cats are the most popular coloured cats to be rehomed. Black cats are unfortunately the least popular, perhaps even in this modern age, there is still the superstitions of owning a black cat?
Rabbits are sadly considered the most neglected pets, often being kept in small hutches their entire lives, being fed on inadequate diets, unable to vocalise their suffering. So, if you have a rabbit or are thinking of getting one, make sure you do your research, so they live their best lives.
Cats are prolific breeders! One unneutered female cat can produce 18 kittens a year! So, neuter your cat people!
In 2020 the RSPCA investigated over 57,000 complaints of cruelty.
Her Majesty the Queen is patron of the RSPCA. And in 1840 Queen Victoria gave royal approval of the charity.
The Dogs Trust was founded in 1891, and each year they care for 16,000 dogs in their nationwide network of 20 rehoming centres. No healthy dog is ever put down.
So, if you are thinking of offering a new start to a furry friend for the family, spare a thought for the thousands of pets desperately seeking new homes, they have a lot of love to give.
James Dutfield BVSC MRCVS - Resident Vet
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