Due to mounting financial pressure, the Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch of the RSPCA has announced it is slashing the financial aid and neutering voucher scheme.
Hugely popular, the vouchers play a part in helping to prevent numbers of unwanted kittens, but the charity says increasing charges means it simply can't offer the volume of vouchers they have been: “These schemes are not government-funded or mandatory – we've simply done our best to provide support when funds have allowed,” a spokesperson said, “This money comes from the same pot of donations that keeps our branch running and our ability to rescue and care for animals. We simply can't keep up. As a small, local rescue, our priority must be the animals already in our care – many of whom have come from neglect, abandonment or cruelty.
“This is not a decision we've taken lightly, and we truly regret the impact it might have on some owners,” they added.
“These vouchers were designed to support responsible pet ownership, not to encourage individuals already facing financial hardship to take on more animals. Unfortunately, we're seeing this scheme being taken advantage of, which places additional strain on already limited resources.”
The charity reiterated the need to think about the costs involved when taking on any pet, and to factor in pet insurance as part of that responsibility.
Anyone wanting to bring a pet into their family is urged to consider adoption, to give an animal a second chance at life.
“Our one-time adoption fee includes most of the essentials including neutering, microchipping and vaccinations, giving your pet a healthy, happy start,” they added.
Pic: Milton Keynes & North Bucks RSPCA
