MEET the nation’s disposable pets – the victims of cash-strapped Scotland’s throw-away culture.
Shelters across the country are seeing a dramatic rise in the number of animals being abandoned because of the tough economic climate.
Rescue centres are desperately trying to rehome pets whose owners can no longer afford to look after them due to rising food costs and vet bills.
Since January, Scottish SPCA shelters have taken in 8750 animals, including 3019 dogs and 2713 cats.
The charity predict their end-of-year figures will be well up on 2011, when they took in 9362 pets. But it’s not just dogs and cats being abandoned by their owners.
Small animals such as hamsters, rabbits, lizards and budgies are also bearing the brunt of a country tightening its purse strings.
The Scottish SPCA’s Glasgow Rehoming Centre in Cardonald are caring for 97 dogs, 30 cats and dozens of small animals and reptiles.
Senior kennel care assistant Sharon Bruce, 37, who has worked at the shelter for 18 years, says they have been busier than ever since the recession hit.
She said: “People don’t realise what an expense an animal can be and don’t budget for vet bills and the rise in the cost of food.
“We see a lot of owners who are heartbroken about having to give up their pet because they can’t afford to care for them.
“Many strays we pick up off the streets have been abandoned for similar reasons. It’s so sad.
“People are also having to work longer hours to make ends meet so their pets are being left alone and are developing behavioural problems.
“The animals then end up here because their owners can no longer cope. It’s a vicious circle.
“We make sure we inform all prospective owners about the costs entailed in having a pet so they can work out whether they can afford to take one on.”
Larger dogs are suffering more from the economic decline than smaller ones. Sharon said: “Small dogs do not cost as much to feed so we don’t get as many passing through the shelter.
“Larger dogs can eat a lot and owners sometimes find it difficult to feed them so they abandon them.
“Other owners forget that a cute little puppy could one day grow into a huge animal and their food bills will also grow.”
Sharon has also noticed a huge increase in the number of cats and rabbits coming into the
She said: “We are always busy with dogs but the cattery and rabbit room is busier than ever.
“Cats are easier to rehome than dogs but now, for every three that go out, four more come in. We are also having to use an overspill room for the rabbits.
“I think people get these animals for their children and, once they get bored, the parents can’t be bothered with the expense of looking after them.”
Sharon has also seen a rise in the number of reptiles brought in. She said: “It’s now easier to buy exotic pets such as lizards and geckos and, although these animals don’t cost much, the tanks and temperature sensors to keep them cost a fortune, as does their live food.
“Animals are living, breathing things which don’t deserve to be thrown away or discarded.”
Here are some of the adorable animals looking for love. Could you give one a home?
? For details on these animals or others at the Scottish SPCA Glasgow Rehoming Centre, phone 03000 999 999.