Lockdown pet boom has had backlash says animal charity

The dramatic rise in calls has been credited to the very high number of families acquiring puppies and cats during lockdown For between September 1 2020 and January 5 2021, Scotland’s animal welfare charity has received 476 calls from people looking to give up their animals.

This compares to 205 calls in the same period in 2019/20. Calls about unwanted dogs increased by 103% from 105 to 213.

Calls from people looking to give up cats jumped 151% from 61 to 153.

The charity had predicted that this would issue and was indeed correct.

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Whilst not such a big issue for kittens, a generation of pups will have grown up in a household where the family is often around

“Once that situation changes it can be hard for a dog to adjust and this can lead to behavioural issues and separation anxiety.

“These issues can lead to dogs being destructive.

“What owners don’t realise is that the dog is acting this way because of its own experiences not because of any ingrained issue. “We would urge people to consider a reputable behaviourist or training before they give up their pet.

Anyone considering giving up their animal should contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999 in confidence.