The RSPCA has launched its annual Adoptober campaign to encourage people to give a rescued animal a home amidst concerns that more pets are being relinquished to charities while rehoming has also slowed.
Rehoming has dropped 10% while animal intake is up 8.4% year-on-year in England and Wales, according to the RSPCA.
Adoptober will run throughout October and this is the chance for prospective pet owners to head to Birmingham Animal Centre - where many rescued animals like dogs, cats, ferrets, and others are waiting to be taken in by a new family.
The animal welfare charity fears the cost of living crisis means more animals are coming into its care while less people are considering taking on a new pet - which could lead to a potential animal rescue crisis. With more animals staying in care and centres running at capacity, it leaves less space for newer rescues.
In West Midlands - Birmingham, Coventry, Stourbridge, and Walsall - the total number of animals rehomed slipped 15% from 1,457 in 2020 to 1,232 in 2021. The number of dogs rehomed dropped 23% in 2021; while adoption of cats fell 17%, rabbits dropped 12%.
In 2021, the RSPCA’s network of centres and branches rehomed 26,945 animals - which might seem massive but was 8% less than 2020. The number of dogs rehomed by the charity also fell 6% from 4,877 in 2020 to 4,567 in 2021; while cats dropped 12% from 17,868 in 2020 to 15,579 in 2021.
In the spirit of Adoptober, here are ten animals that need a new home. They are all available at Birmingham Animal Centre
1. Dexter and Dee
Dexter & Dee Dee (black & white) were rescued by a concerned member of the public who found them straying. They would suit a family home and they could live with children all ages, other cats and be introduced to dogs. | RSPCA
2. Caterpillar and Hatter
These 3-year-old Lion Head rabbits - Hatter (black) & Caterpillar(white&grey) - are both well bonded. The RSPCA are looking for them to be rehomed together again. They will suit a quiet home with older children (if present). | RSPCA
3. Patches
She is an American Bulldog and will do well at a home where she will receive her daily exercise, children (if present) to be used to larger dogs and of course someone home for much of the day. | RSPCA
4. Solange and Beyonce
Solange and Beyonce are only one years old and are domestic shorhair crossbreed. They can live in a family home who have children of a primary school age and above. | RSPCA