Sheffield RSPCA centre anticipates rise in pets given up post lockdown but says it ‘will not judge’

The Sheffield RSPCA Centre said it is anticipating an increased demand on its service as concerns grow about the number of people struggling to cope after adopting animals for company during lockdown.
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Pets4Homes, one of the UK's largest online pet marketplaces, identified that demand for puppies was 51 per cent greater than dogs aged one or older between July and September last year.

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Diana Radford, operations director of Sheffield RSPCA Animal Centre, said she expects to see the number of dogs being forfeited this year to rise as a result.

Stock picture of a dog provided by the RSPCA. Picture used for illustrative purposes onlyStock picture of a dog provided by the RSPCA. Picture used for illustrative purposes only
Stock picture of a dog provided by the RSPCA. Picture used for illustrative purposes only
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This is already becoming apparent in shelters such as the one just off Woodbourn Road, as some come to the realisation they don’t have enough time for their new animal or simply cannot afford them.

Ms Radford said: “We’re getting a lot of calls from people who have purchased an animal during lockdown or Covid and they just can’t afford it.

"It’s beginning to increase now and I think most people are wanting to get animals for the right reasons, companionship or they’ve experienced a new time in their life where they do have more free time or flexibility.

"But animals aren’t always what you expect them to be – they do chew up the house and do bark and do cost a lot of money.

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"The people contacting us generally are saying they love the animal but cannot afford the ongoing vet care because unfortunately a lot of these animals that have been bred have been bred in circumstances that none of us would want to witness."

The centre is a local charity which raises all of its own running costs and like many has suffered financially due to the closure of its charity shops.

However, Ms Radford said the team will not “judge people” who are experiencing hardship and need to surrender their pet.

She added: “We do expect an influx but I would never want anybody to feel discouraged to reach out for help. It’s a lot braver to reach out and say you’ve maybe bitten off more than you can chew but the best thing is to really think carefully before you get an animal.”

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To find out how you can foster either a cat or dog email [email protected] or to donate to the centre click here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.