The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has said the number of calls it receives for pet rescue incidents has doubled since 2020, receiving almost 700 alone for cat rescues in 2023.
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Data obtained by City News shows that the number of calls for cats alone was 338 in 2020, and almost 700 in 2023.
In a statement to City News, a spokesperson from the London Fire Brigade said they rescue “hundreds of creatures across the city every year”.
June Shaw, founder of Kingston-based Ginger Cat House Rescue, said that rescue centres across the city had seen a similar increase in pets being dropped off.
“So many [people] got pets during Covid and when they went back to work, they no longer wanted them.
“People didn’t neuter their new pets due to vets being closed, so we’ve seen a huge increase in animals being surrendered and dumped”.
“Lockdown pets didn’t get the chance to learn what they should and shouldn’t be afraid of”. CREDIT: KATE ANWYL-IRVINE
Blue Cross animal behavioural expert, Ryan Neile, added that:
“During the lockdowns, restrictions prevented kittens and puppies receiving essential socialisation – the process by which they learn social skills and how to feel confident living in our human world.
“This has led to a big increase in nervous and fearful pets, so with this in mind it could explain why numbers of pets needing to be rescued has increased as a result.”
LFB stressed added that firefighters “love animals” and are “ready, willing and able” to rescue animals when needed, but stressed that members of the public should call the RSPCA first.
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HeadlineCalls to London Fire Brigade for pet rescues doubled since 2020, report shows
Short HeadlineLondon Fire Brigade pet rescues doubled since 2020
StandfirstThe Fire Brigade received almost 700 calls for cats alone last year.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has said the number of calls it receives for pet rescue incidents has doubled since 2020, receiving almost 700 alone for cat rescues in 2023.
Listen to this article powered by AI
Data obtained by City News shows that the number of calls for cats alone was 338 in 2020, and almost 700 in 2023.
In a statement to City News, a spokesperson from the London Fire Brigade said they rescue “hundreds of creatures across the city every year”.
June Shaw, founder of Kingston-based Ginger Cat House Rescue, said that rescue centres across the city had seen a similar increase in pets being dropped off.
“So many [people] got pets during Covid and when they went back to work, they no longer wanted them.
“People didn’t neuter their new pets due to vets being closed, so we’ve seen a huge increase in animals being surrendered and dumped”.
“Lockdown pets didn’t get the chance to learn what they should and shouldn’t be afraid of”. CREDIT: KATE ANWYL-IRVINE
Blue Cross animal behavioural expert, Ryan Neile, added that:
“During the lockdowns, restrictions prevented kittens and puppies receiving essential socialisation – the process by which they learn social skills and how to feel confident living in our human world.
“This has led to a big increase in nervous and fearful pets, so with this in mind it could explain why numbers of pets needing to be rescued has increased as a result.”
LFB stressed added that firefighters “love animals” and are “ready, willing and able” to rescue animals when needed, but stressed that members of the public should call the RSPCA first.
