The RSPCA has reported a rehoming crisis on day one of its month-long Adoptober rehoming campaign (1 October). Its animal intake is now 42% higher than the number of animals being successful adopted into new homes and the situation is described as being “critical”.

In the first six months of this year, the RSPCA took in 32% more equines compared to the number rescued during the first half of 2023. The number of dogs and cats rescued also increased significantly, at 21% and 16% respectively.

“Our rescue centres are jam-packed, and we’ve been seeing more animals coming to us than we are rehoming,” said Karen Colman, who leads the charity’s team finding places for rescued animals.

“We urge anyone considering adding a pet to their family to step in and help by giving a rescue pet a second chance instead of buying from breeders.

“Our rehoming centres have reached crisis point and are full to bursting, creating a bottle neck where we’re having to care for rescued animals.”

Cost of living influences

The RSPCA hopes Adoptober will increase adoption rates across England and Wales by celebrating the benefits of rescue pets and highlighting the animals that are waiting to find their forever home.

“Our 14 national centres prioritise animals rescued from cruelty and neglect,” added Karen. “They are the animals which need the most help with veterinary and behavioural care to rehabilitate them.

“These most vulnerable animals take time to recover from the cruelty and neglect they have experienced so it’s even more rewarding to see them ready to find loving new homes where they will be lavished with the love they deserve, and we hope even more will get to experience that during Adoptober.”

She also said that concerns about the cost of living remains an influencing factor in people giving up their animals.

“Our amazing teams are doing all they can. Our 135 independently run branches continue to rehome at a phenomenal pace and we are extremely proud of the work that they do,” continued Karen.

“They play a vital role in local communities across England and Wales and whilst they feel the pressure of taking in more animals they have done an incredible job finding so many loving new homes.”

If you are interesting in rehoming a horse, pony or other animal, search those seeking a new home here. 

Seeking a new home

Olivia is seeking a new home

Two ponies currently on the rehoming list are Olivia, a coloured Welsh part-bred mare, and River, a piebald cob.

Three-year-old Olivia is a very sweet and affectionate 13hh mare who needs a calm, patient owner. She is easy to catch, lead, groom and pick out her feet. She is up to date with vaccinations, worming, teeth and trimming.

Find out more about Olivia

River (pictured top) is a 12.2hh three-year-old who is very quiet to handle. She lives out 24/7 but is happy to be stabled. The RSPCA believe she would benefit from a one-to-one situation so that she has her ‘own person’ in order to fulfill her potential.

River is up to date with her vaccinations, teeth, worming and is micro-chipped and passported.

Find out more about River

Images © RSPCA

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