Animal charities say Budget ignores struggling pet owners

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 17:11 · Archive

The RSPCA and Dogs Trust say the Government's latest budget includes no support for pet owners facing rising costs.

Animal charities have criticised the UK Government's latest budget for failing to include specific measures to help pet owners at a time when rising costs are putting increasing pressure on individuals and families. More than half of British households own a pet.

The RSPCA and Dogs Trust both raised concerns about the lack of support. Thomas Schultz-Jagow, executive director of advocacy and prevention at the RSPCA, said: 'It's disappointing that another UK Government budget has failed to include any specific measures to help pet owners at a time when animal welfare is battling a crisis.' He added that rescue centres are over-run and officers are responding to countless calls that could have been prevented with access to support.

The charities had called for targeted VAT relief on pet food and veterinary care, as well as statutory funding for community pet food banks and support for local authorities to deliver their statutory social care pet protection duties. According to the RSPCA's Animal Kindness Index, 56 per cent of pet owners are concerned about affording vet bills, whilst 18 per cent are worried about the cost of pet food.

The RSPCA reported that its officers have responded to an average of 410 multi-animal incidents each month so far this year, involving ten or more animals per case. This figure is already higher than 2025, which was previously the highest year on record. Dogs Trust has also reported more than 30,000 enquiries from owners seeking to give up their dogs, with many citing financial hardship as the primary reason.

How it is being reported

• Pet owners 'forgotten' in Budget as millions struggle with rising costsAnimal charities say pets and their owners have been overlooked.Cumberland News · 28 Oct, 17:00
• Pet owners 'forgotten' in Budget as millions struggle with rising costsAnimal charities say pets and their owners have been overlooked.Westmorland Gazette · 28 Oct, 17:00
• Pet owners 'forgotten' in Budget as millions struggle with rising costsAnimal charities say pets and their owners have been overlooked.Whitehaven News · 28 Oct, 17:00
• Pet owners 'forgotten' in Budget as millions struggle with rising costsAnimal charities say pets and their owners have been overlooked.NW Evening Mail · 28 Oct, 17:00

In this story: RSPCA · Dogs Trust · Thomas Schultz-Jagow · UK

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log