'There is no such thing as a free or cheap pet. Every animal costs money, time and lifelong commitment. Even feral colonies usually begin with one owned cat that was not neutered.'
Less than two weeks into the new year, and the Milton Keynes & North Bucks RSPCA has told of its devastating start to 2026, which it says has already been considerably worse than previously.
'We are receiving constant calls from vets, inspectors and the public about cats and small animals needing rescue space we simply do not have,' it said.
'Animals are being treated as disposable. We are repeatedly seeing people surrender or abandon animals and then get more. Multi-animal households receive help and then take on more. People use food banks or apply for financial aid and then acquire more animals. These services exist to support responsible ownership, not to enable continued irresponsibility.
'There is no such thing as a free or cheap pet. Every animal costs money, time and lifelong commitment. Even feral colonies usually begin with one owned cat that was not neutered.'
The branch has shared details of its limited facilities; nine cattery spaces and six isolation spaces, with support from a very small foster network.
'For every animal we rehome, several more are being born. Unless owners take responsibility, this crisis will never improve. Rescues are not the cause, we are picking up the pieces while many are forced to close their doors under the strain.
'This situation stems directly from the COVID pet boom, which has set animal welfare back decades. Those of us in rescue have never seen pressure like this,' it added.
The charity said that it will continue to do all it can to support those animals in need, but that those with the power to make real change are the owners.
It reiterated the importance of thinking before bringing a pet into your home, and that should you decide to, pets are a lifetime commitment, and neutering is essential.
If you have space for a new family member, check their adoption page https://www.rspcamiltonkeynes.co.uk/cats
You can support their work by donating to their wishlist: https://www.amazon.co.uk/.../1IQZD0UE4LXPB/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
