RSPCA launches urgent appeal for foster carers in Greater Manchester, after statistics reveal 700 rescued animals are waiting for a space.
The animal charity has revealed today that they are spending a distressing weekly fee of £26,000 for the temporary care of hundreds of animals, in private boarders - including dogs, cats. rabbits and farm animals- as the 59 rehoming centres across England and Wales are "full to bursting".
Animals are based in private boarding establishments all across England and Wales, including 36 in the Manchester region. In response the RSPCA has released a new plan to recruit more fosterers, to help care for animals temporarily, all while being supported by the RSPCA.
Distressing new statistics come as the RSPCA's annual rehoming campaign- Adoptober- continues to share the work of the animal centres, and give rescue pets a second chance of happiness.
Brain Reeves, head of volunteering at the RSPCA, said: "Getting pets into loving foster homes -especially ahead of the winter months- will be a lifeline to our frontline officers and the animals in danger we need to rescue.
"In total, 691 animals are currently being boarded in temporary care with private boards due to a lack of space at centres - including 120 dogs, 144 cats, 112 rabbits, 8 small furry animals, 38 exotic birds, 35 birds, 132 equines, and 102 farm animals, because there is not enough room in jam-packed centres."
The capacity problems are a result of the covid-19 pandemic, the animal centres are dealing with an increase in calls, as well as a slowdown in rehoming and a surge in the number of animals coming into the charity's care- as the cost-of-living pressures continue to bite.
The RSPCA provides foster carers with all the financial, emotional and some logistical support they need in providing temporary care for the animal - including any medication and funding for any ongoing veterinary treatments.
Fostering also give people an alternative opportunity in having a pet in their homes, instead of full time.
"Put simply, we urgently need more people willing to open up their homes, and their hearts, to help give dogs, cats and other animals a fresh start in life," Brain added.
To apply to be a fosterer visit the RSPCA's volunteering portal at volunteer.rspca.org.uk
Comentarios