Royal Canin warns of rescue centre struggles post-lockdown

Royal Canin and the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) have partnered up to highlight the “plight” of animal rescues, animal charities and pet food banks that are struggling due to the pandemic. 

It comes as ongoing restrictions have halted fundraising, which led to the “dramatically reduced” income of these establishments. Despite the easing of restrictions, however, many rescues’ finances are in “dire straits after over a year of restrictions”, Royal Canin warned.

The ADCH, which represents 153 rescues and charities across the UK and Ireland, surveyed its members three times during the pandemic to assess the impact of coronavirus on the rescue sector. 

It found that animal rescue centres had lost up to half of their income during the pandemic, whilst many had downsized staffing due to funding pressures. 

To help support these centres, Royal Canin has supplied over £200,000 of food to over 250 rescues and food banks across the UK and Ireland during the last year.

Suzy Roffey, national sales manager PRO, Royal Canin said: “All of us at Royal Canin are so proud to be able to support these rescues that work so hard to care for and rehome abandoned pets. 

“We know what a difficult time it has been for them and are pleased we could help. We’ve also been supporting animal food banks to support pet owners that have struggled financially during the pandemic so they don’t have to surrender their much-loved pets to rescues, which are already under huge pressure at the moment.”

Giles Webber, chair of ADCH said: “We knew from our surveys that rescues were finding it difficult with the closure of shelters and outside fundraising events so ADCH immediately set up a grant system that distributed 54 grants to struggling rescues totalling over £300,000.  

“Whilst many organisations had to downsize their staff levels, we are delighted that none so far have closed which is testament to their resilience and the hard work of ADCH.”