Home Communities Charity Liverpool’s dark animal secret revealed

Liverpool’s dark animal secret revealed

26th November 2024

Shocking figures released by the RSPCA has revealed that animal abandonment across Merseyside has risen by 24% in three years.

In addition, this statistic has risen by a massive 51% across England and Wales as pet owners are deserting and neglecting their dogs more than ever.

The charity received 3,071 animal abandonment reports during the 2021 winter period, but last winter this rose to a staggering 4,630 pets who were reported neglected.

Pet abandonment has increased since the cost of living crisis as people are finding that they can no longer cope with their pet as they cannot access the necessary resources. However, there are many rescue centres across Merseyside and the UK who are not having help sought due to the stigma around it.

Carla Lane animal sanctuary is a Liverpool-based rescue centre who deal with the intake of animals who require rehoming due to neglect and unable owners. The sanctuary also provides assistance to pet owners who may require more support in taking care of their animal.

Kellie O’Shea is a volunteer at Carla Lane – she is also an advocate for dogs who have been unjustly branded as dangerous.

Kellie said: “Dogs at the moment are being abandoned in great numbers because people are concerned they might fall under the prohibited breed criteria.

“People don’t know what to do if they have a cross breed bully and are not seeking support as people are frightened and people are scared of all the media attention.”

This year alone the rescue sanctuary has rehomed 700 dogs, but there are still many more who are looking for a loving home.

“Every single kennel is full and every single kennel has a waiting list for when it becomes empty as there is a dog who is desperate to take that space.”

“At any given time there are at least 40 dogs here. There are more in the maternity unit, more in the special care unit, more in the isolation unit. If we don’t empty those kennels then those dogs who are waiting have nowhere else to go,” Kellie said.

Luckily for these dogs there is a constant flow of adoption homes but the process is often slower than the rate of abandonment as it is imperative that dogs are sent to a home which suits them and the owner. Once a dog arrives at the rescue home they undergo behavioural assessments to find out which type home would be best for them.

On December 1st the sanctuary are holding a festive fair and dog show in order to raise money for the cause.

Click the link below to find out how you can donate:

Donate – Carla Lane Animals in Need