CLOSER NEWS REPORT
As the cost-of-living crisis sees increased cases of abandoned pets, Closer investigates why you should adopt animals, not shop...
When Paige Morgan gazed into the gorgeous brown eyes staring back at her through the metal bars, she was instantly smitten.
She had wanted to adopt a dog with her partner, David, for years, and after suffering a devastating miscarriage, decided the time was finally right.
In November 2019, they visited a local rescue centre in Ashbourne, Derby, and before long, the couple were given the green light to take Luna, their chosen dog, home. She slotted into their lives instantly, and they haven’t been able to imagine life without her since.
Paige, now 30, says, “I’d always wanted to adopt because I knew how many dogs got abandoned and I thought I’d be able to give one a second chance at life. Even the vets didn’t know much about Luna, and put her breed down as ‘mongrel’ but, to us, she was perfect. It was love at first sight. The miscarriage had left us devastated, but loving Luna gave us a sense of family and slowly I grew happier again. When we went into lockdown, looking after a new pup gave our days a focus.”
WORRYING
Now, the RSPCA has launched a new campaign called Adoptober, intended to encourage people to adopt, not shop this October. It comes after worrying reports that an increasing number of pets are being abandoned in light of the cost-of-living crisis.
A recent survey found that 68 per cent of pet owners were worried about the increasing cost of pet care, while 19 per cent were worried about being able to afford to feed their pets.
And figures released by the charity in August also revealed that its cruelty line received more than 100 reports a day of animals being abandoned throughout 2021, and there’s concern that rising living costs could push this even higher.
The RSPCA has highlighted an imminent animal rescue crisis, with more animals coming into care than are being adopted.
Pet welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines says, “More animals are being given to us because their owners simply couldn’t afford to care for them any more or, in the most extreme cases, they have been neglected or abandoned due to the rising cost of pet care.
“Sadly, this is coming at the same time that potential pet owners are deciding now is not the best time to take on an animal, due to the soaring cost of living, and feeling they cannot financially commit to adding a pet to their family at such a worrying time.”
Paige, who works in sales, says, “A couple had previously owned Luna, but after having a baby and buying a new puppy, she no longer fitted in with their lifestyle. They’d underestimated the time and care required to lo
