A County Durham pet food bank has seen its number of users increase by 50% since the start of 2024.
More than 50 pets have received food parcels from the RSPCA’s community hub in Chester-le-Street, with the charity saying that the numbers are increasing due to the rising cost of living. Run by the RSPCA’s Sunderland, Hartlepool and South Tyneside Branch, the Front Street facility opened in July last year after two existing retail shops were forced to close because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, there is a new charity shop and office space where the branch runs its Ebay store, with all money raised going to support local animal welfare work and the treatment and rehabilitation of animals rescued by RSPCA frontline officers. Pet owners can also access free advice and information sessions for pet owners, pet health clinics and vouchers for microchipping and neutering.
The hub supports people from South Tyneside, Sunderland and Hartlepool, and relies on donations from the local community and neighbouring businesses. Allison West, community hub project co-ordinator, said that numbers have increased by around 50% since the new year.
She said: “While it’s mainly dog owners we’re supporting, we’ve also provided food, litter and bedding for cats, rabbits and even pet rats. We want to do all we can to help as we know pets can be a huge source of comfort to their owners and they shouldn’t feel forced to give them up – after all, they are much-loved members of the family.
“We hope our hub is a welcoming community space where people can come in with their pets for a chat, a cup of coffee or a browse around our shop. It’s all about helping to keep people and their pets together in challenging times, whether that be through providing a food parcel, a little bit of advice or a listening ear.”
Alan, brings his dog Tyler to the pet food bank. He said: “The Community Hub is a brilliant project and has helped me and Tyler out three times in as many months. The cost of living crisis many of us are facing right now also affects the animals we own and love and I’m so grateful to the team for the help they have provided to us.”
Across the country, the RSPCA says it has provided 1.6 million pet meals through its 130 pet food bank schemes which were introduced in 2020 as part of a drive to help keep those facing financial hardship with their pets. Since the RSPCA’s first pet food bank was set up in Lancashire in September 2020, they say demand has soared – with the ongoing cost of living crisis contributing not only to the increase in demand, but also the number of abandoned animals it is seeing, with incidents at a three-year high.
The charity has set up a dedicated cost of living hub and telephone helpline (0300 123 0650), and is encouraging pet owners to seek help if they require it.
