Pride Animal Rescue in Diss 'inundated' with dumped dogs

Pride Animal Rescue service, based in Diss and Eye, has said the number of dogs in need of rehoming is doubling by the day. 

Christopher Coe, 31, has run the service with partner Daniel Carver, 38, since September 2021 and claims the number of rescue dogs coming to them has quadrupled in the last eight weeks by people who can't afford to keep pets amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. 

"People just can't afford to keep and feed dogs," Mr Coe said. "Dog food prices have gone up 10% this week which if you have a lot of dogs is a lot of money."

The charity currently has 40 dogs in kennels and 60 in foster homes, with some dogs simply dumped at their kennels in Diss and Eye.

Jonnie, who is 18 months old, and two-year-old Purdy were brought to the rescue service by a breeder from Stowmarket who got rid of them to make space for other pregnant dogs. 

Jonnie and Purdy were surrendered at Pride Animal Rescue by a breeder that wanted to get rid of them. (Image: Pride Animal Rescue)

"These aren't kind breeders," Mr Coe said. "They make the money out of the dogs and then off-load them to someone else. This is what rescue centres have to deal with.

"We obviously want to take as many as possible but it reaches a point where you just have to say no. 

"We get up to 20 calls a day asking if we can take dogs and it's only getting worse."

It is a similar story at West Norfolk RSPCA Rehoming Centre near King's Lynn which is at capacity with the number of pets they can take in and has a long waiting list. 

A recent survey by Pets4Homes found that one in 10 UK pet owners are considering giving up their companion to cope with cost of living pressures.

Mr Coe added: "When they come we still have to home and feed them, it's a massive strain on us." 

"We're an independent rescue and the support we get is never enough. If the money is not there at the end of the week it comes out of our pockets."