"At the Moment of Dilemma, I Chose My Own Meal"... UK Sees 32% Spike in Parting with 'Family' Pets

5,700 Abandoned Animals This Year... A 32% Surge
Impact of Cost-of-Living Crisis and Rising Veterinary Expenses

In the UK, the number of abandoned animals is surging as more people feel burdened by the high cost of living and the expenses associated with raising pets.

The number of people abandoning their pets due to financial difficulties is increasing in the UK. Mayhew Animal Shelter website

According to a recent report by AFP, tens of thousands of pets are being abandoned across the UK as the cost-of-living crisis has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mayhew Animal Shelter in Kensal Green, London, stated that it has taken in over 130 additional animals this year alone, noting a sharp increase in abandoned pets. Elvira Muchi-Lyons, head of the Mayhew Animal Shelter, said, "Pet owners in difficult situations feel ashamed and frustrated that they have to make this decision, but they feel they have no choice and come to the shelter."

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), more than 5,700 animals have been abandoned this year. This figure represents a 32% increase compared to the same period last year. The number of abandoned animals has been steadily rising every year, with a total of 22,500 cases last year, which was more than a 7% increase compared to 2023.

Currently, about 26 million people in the UK?nearly half of the adult population?own pets. However, an increasing number of people are abandoning their animals because they cannot afford the cost of pet care.

In particular, low-income pet owners are facing such severe financial hardship that they must choose between feeding themselves or their pets. The shelter reported that in some cases, pet owners who lost their homes due to financial difficulties have come to the shelter for help.

The rising cost of veterinary care has also contributed to the surge in abandoned animals. The shelter explained, "Many pets arriving at the center are in poor health because their owners cannot afford veterinary bills." David Bowles, spokesperson for the RSPCA, also stated, "The cost-of-living crisis, and especially the inability to pay for veterinary care, is having a significant impact on the increase in abandoned animals."

In fact, the UK's inflation rate surpassed 11% in October 2022, reaching its highest level in 40 years. AFP reported, "Although inflation has slowed in the past few years since the pandemic, many consumers are still feeling the pressure of rising prices," adding that "the prices of many items, including pet food, have increased by about 25%."