The number of abandoned pets is still far too high, warns The Animal Protection. In the first half of 2024, The Animal Protection has taken care of 423 abandoned pets. The organization finds this number to be too high and warns of the serious consequences for the animals. Particularly rabbits have been severely affected, with 44 of these pets being abandoned alone. Compared to the same period last year, where 33 rabbits were dumped, there has been an increase.
Although the total number of dumped animals has decreased from 458 in 2023 to 423 this year, the number is still worryingly high, especially as it can be life-threatening for the animals to be abandoned, according to Karina Fisker, the international manager at The Animal Protection. “The serious thing is that they are left to a fate where one cannot know what the end result will be. They can be dehydrated and overheated, and then they can be difficult to save,” she told Ritzau.
An important reason why none of the 423 found animals have died this year is that the summer has not been particularly hot. But traditionally, the number of abandoned pets peaks in July, August, and September, which implies a potential risk for more dumped animals in the near future.
The problem is especially severe for animal mothers with young or single animal offspring, who are often abandoned. These offspring are very vulnerable and can easily die if they do not receive enough food and water. Additionally, it puts pressure on the shelters, where they are already full, especially with rabbits. Karina Fisker therefore encourages contacting shelters instead of leaving the animals alone.
Some owners choose to leave their animals near shelters, increasing the chances of the animals being found. But when the owner is unknown, the shelter is burdened with the costs of vaccines and veterinary care, which Karina Fisker describes as “unsympathetic and mean.” She also believes that there is a large unknown number, as many animals are likely to be abandoned in remote areas such as forests where they are not easily discovered.
The Animal Protection urges increased responsibility among pet owners to prevent this form of animal welfare crime.