Animal welfare charities in Merseyside have reported a rise in pet abandonments over the winter months, with the post-Christmas period proving especially challenging.
Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre in Formby said rising living costs, combined with impulsive decisions around Christmas pets, are putting growing pressures on charities.
Debbie Hughes, Fundraising and PR coordinator at Freshfields, said: “We see a lack of consideration to just how much an animal will cost.
“Buying a dog is a lifetime commitment, so people don’t always realise what the cost is going to be and what the impact will be.”
She added: “Very often we are full and we have a waiting list. We could probably fill our rescue centre four times over with the amount of animals that we have to turn away.
“It’s affected our financial resources, everything’s gone up: heating, lighting, transport, food, medicine, so our resources are stretched like never before and we’re under pressure like never before.”
The RSPCA has warned of an ‘epidemic of animal abandonment and neglect,’ with reports of such cases at their highest level in at least six years.
The RSPCA said 2025 was one of its most challenging years on record, with incidents reported rising by more than 23% in the first ten months of the year.
The issue is also being witnessed by local dog fosterers, who temporarily take dogs into their homes to prepare them for adoption.
Eleanor Hutchins said: “Animals aren’t just for Christmas, they’re a lifelong commitment. When you take on an animal you have to think about it rationally and logically: can you afford to feed that animal? Can you afford to provide veterinary care if they become ill?”
She warned that people often fail to understand the long-term responsibility involved with pet ownership and urged prospective owners to thoroughly research before making a decision.
“Do the research into the breed and then make an educated decision of whether or not you can commit for the animal’s lifespan” she said.
“There’s a lot that needs to be considered when taking on rescue animals.”
With rescue centres already stretched this winter, staff and foster carers are urging anyone who is thinking about getting a pet to carefully consider the long-term commitment or explore adoption through rescue centres.
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