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NB SPCA sees spike in abandoned pets
Animal-protection outfit blames financial stress, housing challenges for increase
The New Brunswick SPCA is urging people experiencing difficult financial and housing issues not to abandon pets as they struggle to deal with their circumstances.
The NB SPCA issued a news release this week reporting that its animal-protection officers have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of reports of pets being abandoned by owners who have been forced to move during difficult times.
It said that thus far in 2023, it received 321 reports of pets being left behind as their owners had to vacate their apartments or homes, as compared with 141 in 2022.
NB SPCA animal-protection officers are discovering this is happening because pets owners are under immense pressure due to limited financial resources and a housing crunch, the release said.
When people are forced to move to a new apartment, it said, for example, owners leave pets behind because their new building might not allow animals.
The cost of pet food and veterinary care is also believed to be a factor, the NB SPCA said.
Executive director Lesley Rogers said people need to know there are other, better ways to address those obstacles and challenges in their lives.
“There are other solutions beside abandoning your pets. Owners can reach out for help from
friends or family members to help rehome their pets. Rehoming a pet with people you
associate with makes for an easier transition for the animal,” she said in the release.
“Another option would be to reach out to your local SPCA animal shelter, local cat/dog rescue group or the NB SPCA.”
Tony Porter, the chief protection officer with the organization, warned there can be fallout for those who abandon pets, both in homes they vacate or outside.
“Owners of abandoned pets can face charges under the SPCA Act, resulting in fines, a criminal record and prohibition orders preventing them from owning pets,” he said in the release.
“Pet owners who do not provide shelter and fail to provide medical care to their animals can face serious consequences.”
Animals’ health can be compromised quickly if they’re unattended and without adequate food, water or shelter, Porter said.
“Dogs and cats can start to show signs of dehydration after only 24 hours,” he said in the release.
“In some of our recent calls for abandoned animals, the NB SPCA rescued animals in very poor physical condition and tragically also found deceased animals.”
He noted they’ve also seen cases in which owners are leaving dogs and cats in remote, rural areas to fend for themselves, which puts the animals at risk of hunger, dehydration or serious injury by wild animals.
“These abandoned pets are scared when left on their own to survive,” Porter said in the release.
“They no longer have the protection and support from their owners which causes fear and stress on the animal.”
The NB SPCA urged anyone with concerns that an animal has been abandoned, neglected or abused to call its 24/7 hotline at 1-877-722-1522.
The Fredericton Independent can be reached at ftonindependent@gmail.com.