Dean Russell attended an RSPCA cost of living advice event at the House of Commons on Wednesday (8 March), to better understand how to support constituents and their pets.
The RSPCA is working hard to keep pets in loving homes as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. But as the number of abandonments soar, the animal welfare charity has asked MPs to reach out and support local pet owners.
Dean Russell said: “I’m proud to support the RSPCA and I will be doing my bit to ensure that the right help, support and information is available to all of my constituents. The cost-of-living crisis is taking its toll on us all and we must all help each other through this difficult time.
“It was wonderful to hear about the assistance that the RSPCA is offering. I would urge anyone who is struggling with pet care to use the resources the RSPCA has on offer to get the support they need. Keeping pets in loving homes is a definite priority and I am keen to help signpost to places of support.”
Harriet Main, public affairs manager at the RSPCA, added: “We’re really pleased that Dean attended our drop-in event to find out how he can support constituents with pet care during the cost-of-living crisis.
Money worries mean even the most loving owners are concerned about caring for their pets, and in the worst cases are having to make the heart breaking decision between putting food on the table and keeping their beloved pet.
We are determined to do everything we can to help, but our centres are already full. There are approximately 700 pets waiting to come into our centres right now, and we’re paying huge amounts on private boarding facilities due to these capacity challenges and slower rehoming rates.”
