Pet rescue centre sees effect of costs crisis

OWNERS ARE STRUGGLING TO KEEP CATS AND DOGS

-  ZHARA SIMPSON

THE cost of living crisis is having a dramatic impact on Gables Dogs and Cats Home, as more pet owners are having to give up their pets because they can no longer afford the rising costs of pet essentials.

Claire Sparkes, general manager at Gables, told The Herald that the rescue centre is receiving more calls to take in pets than usual, as people are struggling to afford rising pet food and veterinary costs.

Claire explained that it is not only Gables being faced with the increasing calls, but also other animal rescue centres around the city. She said she worries about what will happen to all the unwanted pets if they can no longer take them in, as there is only so much spaces they can offer.

The cost of living crisis is also affecting the amount of donations being given to Gables, from cat litter to washing powder. Claire said she believes the amount of donations have "dramatically" declined since the crisis, even to the point that donation boxes in supermarkets are less full than before.

It is not only the basic pet essentials that are becoming more expensive, but also veterinary costs, which is leading more pet owners unable to afford their animal family members.