Animal charities have warned the impact of the cost of living crisis on pet owners will only get “worse” as rising costs continue.
In recent weeks and months, the cost of living crisis has seen the price of energy, fuel and food soar, putting more financial pressure on households than ever.
New data from the RSPCA revealed 78 per cent of pet owners believe the cost of living will impact their animals, almost seven out of 10 (68 per cent) expressed concern the cost of care was increasing, and a fifth (19 per cent) worried about how they will afford to feed their pets.
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As the crisis continues, animal charities in Oxfordshire have warned of the pressure pet owners face, with many struggling to feed their fury friends or being forced to give them up all together to save money.
Claire Evans, 45, who works as an app developer but runs The Pet Bank, Banbury on a volunteer basis has said she has seen demand for its services “shoot up dramatically” in recent weeks.
She said: “Generally over the last year I have had a handful of enquires and in the last few weeks it has tripled.
“I was doing about seven to 10 deliveries a week and that is up to 25.”
In a similar way to a food bank, The Pet Bank, Banbury collects donations of food and pet supplies which are then provided to owners who need help, ensuring owners and pets can stay together.
Mrs Evans explained she has seen a rise in demand for pet food, with many people finding it difficult to feed their animals.
“I cannot see it getting any better and can see it getting worse.
“I think everybody is feeling the pinch and people who would not normally struggle, really are struggling.
“Anyone and everyone is suffering,” she explained.
Iain Atkin, sanctuary manager at Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, explained that while the charity does not have any specific data, rising costs are “a more significant factor now than it has been”.
He said: “We are seeing an increase in the number of animals being relinquished due to financial reasons, particularly since January 2022, when the fuel crisis hit.
“The message is of course prevention, for example preventing animals from coming to rescue.
“To do this, we need to reduce the demand, educate people as to the costs and welfare needs of pets, and regulate access, such as stopping pet-selling websites selling them so easily.
“It should be more difficult for people to get pets but this is a political issue requiring significant legislative action.”
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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.
You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry
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