Brexit to blame for increase in homeless cats, says shelter boss

BREXIT along with a surge in the number of rental properties that do not allow pets have led to an animal shelter being inundated with requests to find new homes for cats.

The Ark on the Edge animal sanctuary has had to turn people away because its waiting list to take in homeless cats is so long.

A problem also exists with finding homes for rabbits.

Pat Kingsnorth, of the Ark on the Edge, said: “It is mostly people moving houses and they can’t take them with them. There is an awful lot of rental properties that don’t allow pets.

“We have got 28 cats on the waiting list to come in. I am having to turn people away because the waiting list is so long now. It is ridiculous.”

She added that most of the cats were black, or black and white, and aged between five and six. However, younger cats are easier to re-home. Ms Kingsnorth said: “We have a lot of kittens but they have tentatively been re-homed.”

Other reasons given by people who want to give up their cats are pregnancy and Brexit.

Ms Kingsnorth said a lot of people who are planning to return to their home countries because of the UK’s decision to leave the EU were enquiring about giving up their pets.

The sanctuary also has two rabbits that desperately need a new home. Both have been at the shelter for two years.

On a more positive note the shelter raised £1,109 during its open day on Saturday, June 24. Ms Kingsnorth said: “From it we have tentatively re-homed three cats and two horses – that is the best result of the day.”

The event featured a bouncy castle, a dog training demonstration by former police dog handler and shelter patron Dave Davies, a pet show, tombola and barbecue. The animal show featured prizes sponsored by Paws – Pride and Groom, photographer Chris Percival and Pets at Home.