RSPCA Cymru is working hard to keep much-loved pets in loving homes this Christmas by providing support to those struggling.
The animal welfare charity has seen a shocking 25 per cent rise in the number of abandonment incidents being dealt with by its rescue teams this year across England and Wales, with a 13 per cent rise in neglect incidents being dealt with by teams.
Rehoming at animal centres has also slowed - with waiting lists growing by the day.
RSPCA Cymru is appealing for forever homes for a host of animals currently at RSPCA Bryn-Y-Maen Animal Centre.
Vicky Williams, animal centre manager, said: “We are full to the brim with animals awaiting for their forever homes and we have plenty more waiting to come into our care so we do need to free up space for those too.
“Of course rehoming is a big commitment and would urge anyone taking on a pet to consider it carefully, but if you think you can take on an animal to provide them a home in time for Christmas please take a look at our Find A Pet website.”
Sadly there are a few animals who are approaching their second Christmas at the Upper Colwyn Bay centre.
Seven-year-old German Shepherd Paddy came into RSPCA care due to concerns for his welfare. He has now been at the centre for more than 500 days.
“He was initially quite overwhelmed coming into kennels, but like most German Shepherds he found his paws once he formed a bond with his handlers,” said Vicky.
“He is now looking for the perfect person or family to show him how good life can be after his neglectful start in life.
“Unfortunately Paddy does suffer from a condition called spondylosis which means he's not looking for hours and hours of exercise. Thankfully he enjoys training games and enrichment which will help to exercise his brain instead.”
Paddy is looking for a family where any children are ideally aged 14 years or older. He will need to be the only dog in the home and he cannot live with cats.
Winifred, a ginger and white cat, is also facing a second Christmas with the RSPCA as she has been in care for more than 350 days.
Winifred came into RSPCA care after her owner sadly passed away. At 13-years-old she is looking for a quieter home she can retire to.
Vicky said: “Winifred can be anxious at first of new people or environments and so is hoping to find a loving family who can offer her the slow approach she needs to get her paws firmly on the ground. Once she has built a bond with you however, she shows her sweet affectionate side, enjoying any attention she can get.”
Black and white cat Pixie is also patiently awaiting at the centre. She has been with the animal welfare charity for more than 140 days.
Pixie currently resides within a foster home due to her anxious behaviours but since living with her fosterer, Pixie's confidence has improved.
“Since being in a foster home, Pixie is often seen playing with toys and exploring her environment,” said Vicky.
“She enjoys a fuss and will come up to you for some treats and to see what you are up to.
“It may take Pixie time to settle into a new home - but we are sure she will become the confident, cheeky girl she is today.”
Guinea pigs Pumpkin and Spice have been with the RSPCA for 110 days and came into the charity’s care after their owner could not meet their needs.
Vicky said: “Our staff and dedicated volunteers have been working with these girls to gain their confidence and a more hands off approach has paid off.
“They have grown in confidence and will now come out and explore their surroundings whilst a familiar person is in their presence. They have also started making little vocalisation noises when they hear a bag of veggies russling... which is a big step for these girls.
“This duo would benefit from going to a quiet household and would be best suited living indoors to help with their confidence around people and a new, strange environment.”
Lola, a seven-year-old terrier, came into the charity’s care after there were concerns for her welfare. She is typical of her breed and has a lovely nature and bags of energy.
Vicky said: “Lola is such a sweet little terrier and we’re hoping this special appeal will help find her a forever home she truly deserves.
“Despite her poor start in life Lola is a typical terrier and is always on the go and is super smart! That being said, she can be an anxious little dog so we are looking for a very special person or family to give Lola her second chance at life.
“Typical of her terrier nature Lola can be quite an independent little character but she enjoys a fuss and absolutely loves playing with toys."
Lola is looking for an adult only home or possibly a family with older teens and would need to be the only pet in the home.
A garden with a terrier safe fencing of around six feet would also be needed; Lola is capable of jumping quite a height.
Vicky added: “We are looking to support her new owners with Lola’s special needs so we are looking to send Lola to her new home on a foster basis initially. Due to the support needed any home would need to be no more than an hour's drive from our centre to facilitate visits to the home when necessary.”
Anyone who is able to offer a rescue animal a home they deserve should email a completed dog or cat 'perfect match' form to brynymaen@rspca.org.uk.
With the increase in pet ownership and the cost of living crisis putting a strain on people’s finances, the RSPCA fears it may see more animals coming into its care.
Dermot Murphy, who heads the RSPCA frontline rescue teams, said: “We’re extremely sympathetic to anyone struggling with rising costs at this difficult time but we’re begging people not to dump their pets. It is never the answer. Please, please ask for help.
“We’ve sadly seen a shocking rise in the number of incidents of animal abandonment and neglect our rescuers are dealing with. My fear is that we’ll see increasing cases of animals neglected and abandoned this Christmas as families struggle with soaring bills.
“We are doing what we can to help, especially trying to keep pets in loving homes, but we are struggling too. Our branches and centres are full to bursting and we have hundreds of pets waiting to get in. We really need animal lovers to help us get through this crisis time.
“As costs continue to rise, the impact on animals will grow. Our new, landmark Animal Kindness Index highlights the stark challenges ahead - with 19 per cent of pet owners worried about feeding their pets, and 28 per cent worried about being able to care for their pets, amid these unprecedented pressures.”
The RSPCA has opened telephone helpline to support callers who are worried about the cost of living crisis and a dedicated Cost of Living Hub with practical help and advice on the website.
The charity says it’s facing additional challenges this year because of rising prices, with everything from the fuel that keeps rescuers on the road and energy that heats animal centres and hospitals to the food the animals need, continuing to soar.
Dermot added: “All of this means we are facing a perfect storm of animal suffering this Christmas and animals risk paying the ultimate price of this crisis.
“Growing numbers of pets are hungry, sick, neglected – and running out of time. That’s why it’s vital that our animal rescue teams can be on the road and ready to rescue animals this winter.
“We’re appealing to people who are in the position to donate to please Join the Christmas Rescue at a time when any contribution could make the difference between life and death for animals this winter.”
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