The Milton Keynes branch say that January has already been 'devastating' for putting a strain on their services and that owners are 'the only ones who can change the bigger picture'.
In a post to their Facebook page yesterday (January 11th), the RSPCA Milton Keynes and North Bucks branch declared that the first two weeks of the year have already seen them receive 'constant calls' about cats and small animals needing rescue space that the charity 'simply do not have', adding that the situation this January is far worse than previous years.
The branch said that they are seeing people surrender animals or receive financial help only to then take on more animals, creating a repetitive cycle which means that for every animal they rehome, 'several more are being born'. This repetitive cycle of irresponsible ownership - a situation stemming from the pandemic 'pet boom' - is contributing to a level of pressure for the charity they have never seen before, especially considering to begin with they only have a small foster network alongside nine cattery spaces and six isolation spaces. Earlier this month, the organisation already had to announce to its community that it would no longer be able to provide the financial assistance and neutering vouchers it had previously when funds allowed, also in part due to irresponsible ownership.
The post emphasised that they have been picking up the pieces where other charities have had to close their doors, adding that whilst they will continue to do everything they can, the greatest responsibility is with owners themselves. They urge people to consider that every animal costs 'money, time and a lifelong commitment' and additionally encouraged people to 'think before getting a pet, neuter, plan financially and commit for life'.
To support the charity during this crisis, they said people can consider adoption: https://www.rspcamiltonkeynes.co.uk/cats, or consider donating/purchasing items from their Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.co.uk/.../1IQZD0UE4LXPB/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
MP for Buckingham and Bletchley Callum Anderson has also taken to social media in response, saying:
"I’m concerned by the situation currently being faced by RSPCA Milton Keynes & N. Bucks Branch.
Less than two weeks into the year, they are already under significant pressure, with constant calls about cats and small animals needing rescue space that just isn’t available. The branch has very limited facilities and a small foster network, which makes responding to this level of demand incredibly challenging.
They’ve also highlighted an important message for all of us: pets aren’t a short-term decision. Every animal needs time, care, and long-term commitment".
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