The RSPCA has seen an increase in pet owners surrendering their pets due to financial difficulties. Shelagh Savage, cofounder of the Pet Food bank in London, said she saw the need for people to ask for help
Pet foodbanks are opening across the country as owners hit by the cost-of-living crisis struggle to pay for their animals. More than eight in 10 people struggle to afford their pets, according to the RSPCA, and in the past two years, the price of pet food has risen by up to 58%.
Blue Cross has already set up six dedicated pet foodbanks and more are independently run. One, in Waltham Forest, East London, has helped almost 400 animals and their owners in just one year. It was set up by a group of friends including Shelagh Savage, 70, who told us: “We all run pet loss groups so we know the need for people to get help to keep their animals .So many pets are given up because people can’t afford them.”
Volunteers, who operate out of Tesco in Highams Park, also provide accessories such as leads, beds and toys. Shelagh hopes more pet foodbanks will follow. He said: “There is nothing more heartbreaking than turning away from non-local people.” Alex Sarney, 38, is among the regulars. She has struggled to feed her dog Aiya since she was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May.
Alex said: “I didn’t have to think about giving Aiya up and it just reduced so much stress, especially with the cost of living. “They’re really brilliant… so many people are benefiting from this. It’s been done so sensitively that there’s no shame in coming .” Louis Bastock, 28, has also become a familiar face since he first joined his German Shepherd and Bichon Frize two months ago.
He said: “We don’t make a lot of money so they really helped in feeding my dogs well, maintaining them. It’s really beautiful, we need more of this.” People can be referred to council services, charities or foodbanks. Tesco’s Cathy Scanlon, 59, who hopes to set up more banks in other branches, said: “I’ve noticed people struggling not only to buy food for themselves but for their pets.”
The RSPCA provides pet supplies to 160 regular food banks. Its pet foodbank coordinator Alison Fletcher said: “As animal lovers ourselves, we know how important it is to keep owners with their pets as long as possible. “Staying together during tough times benefits the welfare of both the owners and the animals and also helps deal with some of the strain on animal rescue centers.”
