The RSPCA’s Food Bank Project in Lancashire has issued an appeal for pet food donations as the scheme is coming under increasing demand due to cost of living pressures.

The animal welfare charity set-up the scheme in December 2021 in Lancashire as a result of financial pressures during the pandemic.

However, the Coronavirus crisis coupled with the current cost of living increase has seen the need for the food bank increase now more than ever.

More than 20 RSPCA centres and branches have teamed up with their local food bank across the north of England.

The scheme aims to reach 110 food banks by the end of next year to provide help to the public and reduce animal abandonment.

In the first quarter of 2022, the RSPCA distributed double the pet food from the previous year to help meet demand.

Inspector for Lancashire and food bank coordinator, Alison Fletcher, said: “We are literally crying out for pet food donations at the minute as the current demand for the food bank scheme is very high.

"Sadly, it seems as though the cost of living increase means that more people are struggling to afford to feed their pets and are relying on the food banks more and more. 

“We set up the scheme because we understood that many people were falling on hard times during the pandemic and we wanted to make sure that those who were struggling could still stay with their pets whilst they got back on their feet. 

“We are now bracing for an influx of abandoned pets or owners who have to give them up because they can no longer afford to keep them but we hope that through the food bank we will be able to provide some support to people and their much-loved pets.”

It comes as the RSPCA releases its groundbreaking inaugural report, in partnership with the Scottish SPCA - the Animal Kindness Index - which looks at the nation’s attitude towards animals.

The report, based on a YouGov survey of more than 4,000 UK adults, revealed that the rising cost of living and the cost of pet ownership could threaten our love for our pets, with 72 per cent of pet owners saying they think the cost of living will impact their animals, almost 70 per cent expressing concern that the cost of care was increasing, and a fifth worried about how they’ll afford to feed their pets.

The study showed cat owners seem to be most impacted and concerned about cost of living pressures.

In the North West, 60 per cent of people said that the cost of looking after their pet had become more expensive over the last 12 months while 25 per cent said they were worried about being able to afford to properly care for their pet and 19 per cent said they were worried about the cost of feeding their pets. 

The charity is seeing an increase in rescued animals coming into its care with many centres already full and others close to capacity,  at the same time as rehoming is slowing down and signs that more people are looking to give up their pets. 

Research by the charity shows in April 2021 there were around 4,400 searches per month around ‘giving up pets’ and in April 2022 this figure rose by 50 per cent to a high of 6,600.

Paul Cardwell, 55, from Preston in Lancashire, has had eight-year-old cat Lucky since she was a kitten.

He started using the local food bank in 2020 and also volunteers to help with deliveries. 

He said: “The food bank makes a huge difference to my life as my food and pet food keeps going up in cost.

"Getting food from the food bank means we have enough for both of us and I don't have to choose between cat food and my food although I would choose to feed Lucky over myself any day.

“The cost of living has made life much harder and losing my dad made life a struggle. Lucky helps me through hard times.

“I have never considered giving Lucky up as she is my life, my family; she is my sole source of company. It doesn't matter what happens in life, we will always be together. 

“Lucky means everything to me; she is a great pet, family member and my companion. She cuddles up on my bed and always cheers me up when I have bad days. I could never be without her.

“The staff and volunteers at the food bank are all fabulous and the help I get from them and the RSPCA with pet food means a lot to me and Lucky.”

So far this year, between January and May, the food bank scheme has delivered over 100 pet food bundles to its partner food banks across the north of England, including 51 in Lancashire - but more food is now desperately needed.

If you would like to support the scheme please take pet food donations to the following drop-off points:

  • RSPCA Lancashire East Branch, Altham Animal Centre, Nearer Holker House Farm, Enfield Rd, Altham, Accrington, BB5 6NN;
  • RSPCA Preston and District Branch, Slack Cottage, Longridge Rd, Ribbleton, Preston, PR2 6QL;
  • RSPCA Blackpool & North Lancashire Branch, Longview Animal Centre, Old Toms Lane, Poulton-Le-Fylde, Stalmine, FY6 0JR;
  • Or alternatively, donate via their Amazon wishlist.