Over a third of dogs abandoned last year still looking for new homes

Credit crunch, family break ups and increased volume of dogs in shelters cause dog re-homing concern.

A new research study of 300 rescue centres has raised alarming concerns about the prospects of abandoned dogs finding new, permanent homes. More than 35% of dogs abandoned in 2011 are still waiting to be re-homed as economic conditions and the sheer volume of dogs in rescue shelters are taking their toll on Britain's over-burdened animal welfare sector.

Aside from financial reasons, relationship break-ups are the main reasons UK's dogs are being given up, but there is a glimmer of hope this year which has been sadly lacking in previous years.

Encouragingly, over half (56%) of 1,277 dog owners surveyed wouldn't consider a dog who's been in a rescue centre for six months or more a problem dog, according to the recent survey carried out on behalf of Churchill Pet Insurance by UK dog adoption site, DogsBlog.com. In the past dogs who've been in rescue homes for more than six months have remained there because would-be dog owners have had concerns about how they would fit into their home.

Pete Bishenden, spokesperson for Churchill Pet Insurance, said: “It’s worrying that so many pets are being housed in rescue centres because owners are struggling to cope. However, it seems that more prospective dog owners are willing, and would even prefer, to take in a rescue dog. Over 90% of dog lovers know about the problems dogs in rescue centres face and are aware of how many dogs are currently waiting for new homes. As a result, more would-be dog owners than in previous years are investigating adopting a dog.”

DogsBlog.com co-founder Ryan O'Meara offered his thoughts on the findings:

“Sadly, the number of dogs seeking new, loving homes from Britain's rescue shelters is making it almost mission impossible for the UK's already over-stretched animal welfare organisations. Whilst donations and funding for the welfare sector are as important as ever, the only real, long-term solution to the problems are for more dog lovers to consider adopting a dog rather than buying from breeders. We are facing a tipping point. As more dogs are being bred every day, the consequences of Britain's dog population problem are being felt in rescue organisations and healthy, loving dogs are losing their chance at a happy life with a loving family.”

- Ends -

Notes to editors

CASE STUDIES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

• Case studies of dogs abandoned and now in new homes available (with owners stories and images accompanying)
• Case studies of dogs currently in rescue and looking for new homes available (with details about the dog, their history, ideal home etc and images accompanying)

Survey conducted by specialist pet research firm petbuzz/K9 Media Ltd for DogsBlog.com, on behalf of Churchill Pet Insurance speaking with 300 animal rescues and 1,277 consumers/recipients.

For further details and to arrange accompanying images and interviews, please contact Kim O'Meara on 0845 163 1238 / 07903 410 421.

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line.

Churchill is part of RBS Insurance, the number one car and home insurer in the UK (based on policies in force 2010) and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0800 200300 or visiting www.churchill.com

Churchill insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales no 1179980. U K Insurance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.