In Lagos, the economic burden faced by many has resulted in a distressing increase in pet abandonment. Preye Maxwell, for instance, recently made the heart-wrenching decision to surrender his beloved dog Hanks to the St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation. With tears in his eyes, the online media strategist expressed his inability to afford proper care or even the time needed for Hanks, especially after being laid off from work.
This scenario is not isolated; Dr. Mark Afua, the veterinary doctor and chairman of the rescue center, noted a significant uptick in the number of pets being relinquished, with up to 12 animals arriving monthly. The country has seen inflation balloon from 22% to a staggering 35% in just months, affecting many facets of daily life, not least pet care.
The current economic landscape poses dire consequences for pet owners as prices for pet food and veterinary services have more than doubled. Many individuals, feeling the pinch of their financial situations, are compelled to make heartbreaking choices, such as abandoning their animals at shelters or even leaving them tied up on the streets.
Animal rights activists like Jackie Idimogu are witnessing these changes first-hand. She described how pet owners now often lack patience, opting for hasty measures instead of seeking new loving homes. Despite her financial struggles, Idimogu remains resolute, stating her dogs are her family, and she’s adopted a more modest lifestyle to continue caring for them.
Others, like Iyke Elueze, who has ten dogs, echo similar sentiments, grappling with soaring costs while fearing for the fate of those pets if given away. With some animal species regarded as delicacies in certain parts of Nigeria, the thought of their beloved pets ending up as food weighs heavily on many owners.
Vets and shelters, already strained by the increasing number of abandoned pets, are trying to manage the situation as best as they can, but many fear there won’t be enough room for the influx of stray and surrendered animals. Dr. Afua mentioned that his organization is currently housing over double its capacity, intensifying the challenges of finding permanent homes for the animals.
Mistura Ibrahim, a cat rescuer, articulates the gravity of pet ownership in the current climate, urging potential pet owners to consider their financial capabilities before bringing an animal into their lives. Her dedication to animal welfare highlights the ongoing struggle that many advocates face as they work to protect these vulnerable beings amid the economic turmoil that has gripped Nigeria.
This scenario is not isolated; Dr. Mark Afua, the veterinary doctor and chairman of the rescue center, noted a significant uptick in the number of pets being relinquished, with up to 12 animals arriving monthly. The country has seen inflation balloon from 22% to a staggering 35% in just months, affecting many facets of daily life, not least pet care.
The current economic landscape poses dire consequences for pet owners as prices for pet food and veterinary services have more than doubled. Many individuals, feeling the pinch of their financial situations, are compelled to make heartbreaking choices, such as abandoning their animals at shelters or even leaving them tied up on the streets.
Animal rights activists like Jackie Idimogu are witnessing these changes first-hand. She described how pet owners now often lack patience, opting for hasty measures instead of seeking new loving homes. Despite her financial struggles, Idimogu remains resolute, stating her dogs are her family, and she’s adopted a more modest lifestyle to continue caring for them.
Others, like Iyke Elueze, who has ten dogs, echo similar sentiments, grappling with soaring costs while fearing for the fate of those pets if given away. With some animal species regarded as delicacies in certain parts of Nigeria, the thought of their beloved pets ending up as food weighs heavily on many owners.
Vets and shelters, already strained by the increasing number of abandoned pets, are trying to manage the situation as best as they can, but many fear there won’t be enough room for the influx of stray and surrendered animals. Dr. Afua mentioned that his organization is currently housing over double its capacity, intensifying the challenges of finding permanent homes for the animals.
Mistura Ibrahim, a cat rescuer, articulates the gravity of pet ownership in the current climate, urging potential pet owners to consider their financial capabilities before bringing an animal into their lives. Her dedication to animal welfare highlights the ongoing struggle that many advocates face as they work to protect these vulnerable beings amid the economic turmoil that has gripped Nigeria.
