A Harrogate-based charity who help neglected pets is urging people to 'take time' and 'give rational thought' when it comes to considering a pet for Christmas.
The Yorkshire Rescue, a small Yorkshire-based charity, predominantly began rescuing dogs but have more recently expanded into rescuing cats and kittens; some of which they hand rear themselves.
The positive message from this animal welfare charity tells of the joy of pet ownership, benefits to mental health and plenty of heart-warming stories of rehomed cats and dogs finding new, loving families in all corners of Yorkshire, including Harrogate, York, Sheffield, Bradford and Skipton.
However, not all stories are as upbeat.
An unfortunate Christmas tradition for charities such as The Yorkshire Rescue is that what seems like a good idea at the time can often turn sour into the new year when the realities and responsibilities of animal ownership take hold.
Food costs and vet bills are particularly unwelcome when mortgages, groceries and electricity are all rising – and then there’s the time for exercising, training and entertaining pets as well.
However, it’s not just Christmas purchases which are affected by these challenges with the intake of referrals and abandonment coming from other sources too.
Abi Andrews, Trustee at The Yorkshire Rescue said:
“We’re still experiencing a large number of post-Covid lock-down referrals where now adult dogs can sometimes begin to show behavioural issues as they’ve missed out on the vital socialisation period of their juvenile years.
“This, coupled with the need for lots of exercise can leave some people feeling they are unable to cope.
“Add to this an increased return to the office for many, and it’s leaving less time for a dog.”
Lockdown dogs or ‘pandemic puppies’ account for a proportion of the referrals at the charity - falling under the category of “change in circumstances”.
This can include things such as the breakdown in relationships, relocation or when people move into supported living.
In addition to these situations, The Yorkshire Rescue also work with Dog Wardens who pick up strays, abandoned, abused and neglected animals.
Helen Turner, Trustee and Chair at The Yorkshire Rescue, said:
“Unfortunately some people simply abandon unwanted pets which is heartbreaking.
“Every animal deserves a loving environment and happy life – and a second chance. That’s why we do what we do.
“We understand that circumstances can change out of peoples’ control, but that is no excuse for neglect and cruelty.
"The fact of the matter is that once a Warden recovers a stray they have seven days to locate the owner to claim their pet and if this doesn’t happen, or emergency kennel space cannot be found, then the animal’s life is sadly at risk.”
Like many other people in this sector, Helen, Abi and the rest of the small team, work tirelessly to keep pets in loving homes and out of kennels which represent the ‘emergency’ option for them.
As well as being costly, requiring lots of regular fundraising events, it’s also very unsettling for animals which may already have emotional and anxiety issues through mistreatment and neglect.
A preferred scenario for The Yorkshire Rescue is to facilitate a move from one home to another which bypasses the use of emergency kennels.
This takes a lot of work to ensure the pet is the right match for a new owner and home environment, but is more rewarding for the team who, as animal lovers, all know the joys and mental health benefits of pet ownership.
Another alternative to emergency kennels is the network of dedicated dog and cat fosterers who support and rehabilitate rescued animals while the right home is found for them.
This is an emotionally challenging but rewarding role: new fosters are always welcome.
Although there’s a reported positive news in pet adoption across the UK with 1 in 5 pet dogs now being adopted (according to statistics accumulated by Dogster.com), the figures for homeless animals is a staggering 100,000 in the UK.
Abi said:
“Every animal we rescue is a ‘win’ for us but it’s a shame it has to happen.
“More rewarding is when we pair an animal with a new, loving home.
“There is a palpable sense of joy, certainly with dogs, where you can feel they know that things are about to get much better for them.
“I couldn’t recommend rehoming a dog enough.”
For more information, visit https://www.yorkshirerescue.org/
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