This Animal Welfare Week and World Animal Day, Mayhew is highlighting the plight of vulnerable pet owners and animals who have been affected by the cost-of-living crisis by sharing stories of struggling pet owners people and their animals as a part of a new fundraising awareness campaign.
In previous years, it’s been a time of celebration for London animal charity, Mayhew – a chance to reflect on all it has done to make life better for our animals and the people who love them. However, this year the situation is very different as the cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating impact on pet owners and the charity warn that inevitably, some animals will also suffer.
The charity is using both awareness dates to highlight measures they have put in place to safeguard the welfare of animals and people they support now and in future.
Pets and their owners in crisis
Animal welfare is inextricably tied to human welfare, and right now humans around the world are struggling. In the UK, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have been compounded by rising costs, high inflation and low wage growth. This, coupled with the energy price cap rise this week, will only make things harder for everyone.
As Lisa Guiney, Mayhew’s Operations Manager explains, “Mayhew is already seeing more animals abandoned, more surrendered and fewer people in a position to adopt. Pet owners are facing an impossible choice between providing for themselves and caring for their beloved pets. The communities Mayhew supports are at tipping point and people’s pets are the silent victims.”
Within the five London boroughs that Mayhew works, Brent, Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Ealing, the charity offers practical help to pet owners who might be struggling, as keeping people and pets together is the best possible outcome for owners’ mental and physical health; for overstretched rescue centres; and, crucially, for animals, for whom being given up or abandoned is dangerous and traumatic.
From the period January to August this year, Mayhew has given out a whopping 63 dog food parcels and 46 cat food parcels to pet owners in need, through its community projects with two food banks and hostels. However, these only touch the sides, and far more is needed in the months ahead which is why Mayhew urgently needs funds to support and sustain its important work.
Cat owner, Colin, and Max and Molly
Father of four Colin Orututai-Hughes was at breaking point when he turned to Mayhew for help. The 45-year-old was sleeping in his van following the breakdown of his marriage and was struggling to afford to feed himself, let alone his cats, all while living with osteoarthritis and depression.
As Colin says, “All of a sudden everything shot up. Cat food went from £3.60 to £4.10 – we’re not talking pennies. I shop with a budget and have to recalculate what I should put back on the shelf. People might think if you get rid of the cats, then you’d have a bit more money in your pocket. But that’s just not an option.”
Colin had already given up three kittens and was desperate to keep their parents, Max and Molly. Mayhew care packages made that possible by providing Colin with cat food, blankets and other essential supplies. Thankfully, Colin is now settled in a new flat on the outskirts of London with his cats, although the cost-of-living crisis still remains a huge concern.
As Lisa explains, “Our individual care packages are a lifeline to so many pet owners like Colin. If we can continue to secure valuable support from donors, we can continue to help owners most in need as demand for our help is only likely to continue to rise. Mayhew is already seeing an increase in abandoned and surrendered pets as people struggle to pay the bills, and a huge reduction in the number of potential adopters coming forward to rehome those cats and dogs who need a second chance.”
She continues, “Our community desperately needs our help, but we too are facing higher costs for essential equipment, food, utilities and supplies. Without support from the public, we cannot hope to help our community’s cats, dogs and their struggling owners get through these tough times.”
