People in Teesside urged to adopt big dogs as crisis sees record numbers in care
The RSPCA in Great Ayton has a number of larger breeds
We're hearing how an animal rescue and welfare charity in Teesside is at 'crisis point' as they're seeing record numbers of big dogs in their care.
The RSPCA say they're struggling because data shows it can take up to seven times longer for larger breeds to find a new home compared to smaller ones.
To ease the pressure, the RSPCA is issuing an urgent plea for adopters to consider harder to rehome and large breed dogs including Whippet Diesel and Labrador Retriever crossbreed Simba at the charity's animal centre in Great Ayton.
RSPCA pet behaviour expert Dr Sam Gaines said: “We urgently need homes for big dogs, who can wait seven times longer than smaller dogs to find their forever home.
“We are in an unprecedented rehoming crisis as several large-scale cruelty and neglect cases have led to record numbers of dogs and cats in our care and are at risk of running out of space. We desperately need adopters now more than ever, so we can continue to rescue and care for the animals who need us.
“It’s the perfect storm with dogs rescued from cruelty and neglect needing longer to recover and needing more specialist homes, and at the same time, rehoming has slowed right across the welfare sector.”
Sam added: “Our unique and special dogs may not be the right pet for everyone. Some need some extra help to help them recover from their past, some are misunderstood because of the way they look, some need quiet homes with no other pets, and others need owners who can keep up with their boundless zest for life.
“But we know the right people are out there and urgently need to hear from them.
Gentle giants, big softies and larger than life characters; we’ve got every kind of big dog, each one is unique, special and deserves a second chance of happiness.”
Research from the RSPCA* found that while the average time for all breeds of dogs between being ready to rehome and then finding a loving forever family is 41 days, but larger breeds of dogs can wait much longer.
These figures are in stark contrast to the short time smaller dog breeds had to wait before finding their forever home. The average length of stay for Yorkshire terriers was just seven days, for chihuahuas, it was 12 days, and cocker spaniels 16 days.
RSPCA Operations Manager Glenn Mayoll said: “We’d really love potential adopters to keep a more open mind when it comes to bigger breeds.
“Bull breeds like mastiffs and bulldogs are often perceived as aggressive, when there’s no evidence that any one breed is more aggressive than another. In fact, like all dogs, some can actually be a bit nervous and fearful - big softies who need owners to help build their confidence.
“Sighthounds like greyhounds, lurchers and salukis, depending on their background, will often need to wear muzzles, and may not be able to live in homes or areas with cats or small furries which means there’s fewer good homes for them. There’s also a misconception that they need more walking or exercise, which may not be the case for every dog.
“A lot of dogs in our care are breeds or types, who were traditionally selectively bred to work on farms, guard livestock or pull sleds - Border Collies, huskies, Akitas, German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois.
“These dogs may need a lifestyle which is a bit busier with committed owners who are prepared to keep them physically and mentally active by giving them puzzles, games and training.
“Of course every dog is different, and some may be happy with short walks and snoozing on the sofa.”
Glenn added: “Unlike other charities, RSPCA dogs have been rescued from cruelty and neglect and sadly many have behavioural issues as a result of their experiences. These special dogs need extra special people who are willing to win their trust, be patient and work with them to help them recover from their past.
“We’d love people to put perceptions about big dogs or specific breeds to one side. Come and visit our Findapet website and just look at our bigger dogs. Every dog in our care has a unique story of survival, and potential adopters might be surprised by who is a good match for them.
“We are confident the right homes are out there and we urgently need to find them.”
Big dogs looking for homes at RSPCA Great Ayton Animal Centre
Whippet cross Diesel
Diesel came to the care of the centre at the end of September last year and is one of the longest residents in kennels. He was abandoned by his previous owner so it means the RSPCA don't have much of a history of him.
Behaviour And Welfare Advisor Emma Cosby said: “Diesel has a playful nature displayed when he feels comfortable around his people. He is also happy to engage in solo play if attention is not given. He loves toys, food and obviously running!
“Diesel is sensitive around his body and will find overwhelming being touched by strangers although he is happy to approach people on his walks to say hello.
“We are looking for understanding adopters who are willing to give him the time he needs to gain trust and who will respect his boundaries.”
The ideal home for Diesel would be in a low dog populated area.
Labrador Retriever crossbreed Simba
Simba is only around 18-months-old and was abandoned with another dog in a property.
“Simba has come so far through his rehabilitation and training,” said Emma. “From pulling like a steam train he is now a fully focused boy walking nicely on the lead.
“From barking at other unknown people out of fear due to poor early socialisation he can now sit next to his handler who has a conversation with a stranger. From an impulsive, strong boisterous teenager he can control his arousal, wait at every gate and door until released, walking through them calmly.
“It has been so wonderful to watch him grow and develop his skills in our care.”
Simba struggles with greeting other dogs in a close distance, but he is not reactive on the lead and can pass them on walks with no problem.
He is looking for a home where he is the only dog and would be adult only (or children aged 16 plus) with a garden in a suburban area.
Simba needs understanding, patient and consistent adopters.
To find out more visit the RSPCA’s ‘Findapet’ webpage.