Rehousing in Cornwall is ‘at breaking point’ as animals arrive faster than they leave

The RSPCA is urging people to consider adopting pets instead of buying them

The RSPCA in Cornwall is urging the public to consider adopting a pet rather than buying, as our local branch warns that the waiting list is full.

With UK rescue centers full, the number of animals in private boarding has soared, costing the charity in the region £500,000 a month.

At the Cornwall branch in St Columb there are currently 92 animals at the center and another 40 in foster care. The waiting list for dogs is full.

Sammy Thompson, spokesman for Cornwall RSPCA, said: “We would always recommend going to rescues before going to a breeder as it breaks the cycle of breeders being able to pocket money.

“We encourage people to be open-minded. You don’t come in with an idea of ​​what color you want or what breed you want, we try to match the animal to the person.”

The charity – the oldest of its kind and celebrating 200 years this year – says the cost of living crisis has left rescue centers facing an “animal welfare crisis” as animals come into care to faster than they are adopted.

There are currently more than 1,400 animals waiting in private boarding centers across the UK as RSPCA centers are full.

That includes chickens.

Sammy added: “They’re a lot easier to rehouse, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t just as many of them. I saw terriers, spaniels, bully puppies.”

If you are looking to adopt an animal in Cornwall, you can find more information on the RSPCA Cornwall website.

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