RSPCA urges animal lovers to foster pets amid centre overcrowding

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 07:09 · Archive

The RSPCA is appealing for people to foster animals as its centres across England and Wales face unprecedented pressure.

The RSPCA is appealing for people to open their homes to foster animals as its centres and branches across England and Wales face what it describes as 'unprecedented pressure'. The charity currently has more than 7,000 animals in its care at any one time, with many waiting for permanent homes. Over 1,000 animals are being housed in private boarding facilities while they wait for space to become available at RSPCA centres.

Becca Sparks, fostering manager at the RSPCA, said the charity was 'running out of space to care for all the animals who need us, and we urgently need help'. She acknowledged receiving support from other animal charities and RSPCA branches but said 'we are all under immense strain'.

The RSPCA says fostering offers animals a temporary, loving environment to recover and prepare for adoption, or to wait out legal proceedings that may delay their rehoming. 'While our ultimate goal is to find all these animals loving forever homes, we don't want them living in kennel or cattery environments for too long while we find their perfect match,' Ms Sparks said.

The charity is working to dispel common myths that discourage people from fostering. It says the RSPCA provides all food, medical care, bedding, toys and equipment needed. The organisation also states that people can foster even if they already have pets, as some rescue animals benefit from having a friendly resident pet, with every animal and home assessed to ensure safe compatibility.

The appeal comes as the RSPCA reports a rise in animal cruelty, neglect and large-scale rescues putting pressure on its services across the two nations.

How it is being reported

• You can foster an animal for free as RSPCA debunks five common mythsAnimal lovers are being urged to open their homes to foster pets.Whitehaven News · 31 Oct, 06:00
• You can foster an animal for free as RSPCA debunks five common mythsAnimal lovers are being urged to open their homes to foster pets.NW Evening Mail · 31 Oct, 06:00
• You can foster an animal for free as RSPCA debunks five common mythsAnimal lovers are being urged to open their homes to foster pets.Westmorland Gazette · 31 Oct, 06:00
• You can foster an animal for free as RSPCA debunks five common mythsAnimal lovers are being urged to open their homes to foster pets.Cumberland News · 31 Oct, 06:00

In this story: RSPCA · Becca Sparks · England · Wales

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