WESTCOUNTRY HOUSING CRISIS FORCING FAMILIES TO PART WITH MUCH-LOVED PETS

A Plympton animal charity has warned of the devastation caused by the region’s housing crisis as it opens its doors to a growing number of homeless pets.

Woodside Animal Welfare Sanctuary has a waiting list of animals in need of help, and many more are already in its care because their owners have been made homeless.

With the Westcountry’s housing crisis a burning issue in this week’s General Election, the charity has spoken out about the devastating impact of homelessness on animals.

Sanctuary manager Dawn Cornish said a shortage of affordable housing, rental properties and temporary accommodation was making it increasingly difficult for people to keep their pets.

“These people are already at their wits’ end and dealing with an already stressful situation then, on top of that, they lose their much-loved animals,” she said. “It’s really upsetting.”

“It’s getting worse and worse as more people are losing their homes and going into rented or temporary accommodation. Also, there are fewer and fewer rented properties available.”

The demand for temporary accommodation in Plymouth has risen by 158 per cent since 2019/20, according to recent figures, with 413 households now applying – up from 160 four years ago.

The charity Shelter has said not enough social homes are being built, forcing people into more expensive private rentals. Average private rent in the city is £873 a month, according to the latest ONS figures.

Among the victims of the city’s housing crisis are German Shepherd Charlie and Akita X Hugo. Five-year-old Hugo was recently brought into Woodside after his owner lost his job and then his home.

German Shepherd Charlie was returned to the Sanctuary in February because his owner was being made homeless. Another home was found for Charlie but, when his new owner developed allergies, he had to be returned.

New homes have now been found for both Charlie and Hugo, and they should be leaving the Sanctuary in the next few days.

But many more are waiting to arrive, including an Alaskan Malamute whose home is being repossessed, pets of families going into rented accommodation and pet owners awaiting eviction.

In the charity’s cattery it is a similar story, with some of the 100-plus cats and kittens currently being cared for having arrived due to homelessness.

In 2023, the Renters Reform Bill was introduced, which included provisions for pets and rented properties - meaning pet requests could not be unreasonably refused. However, it has yet to become law.

“There is not enough rented property to meet demand,” Dawn said. “As a result, demand for each rented property is so high that landlords have their pick of so many people so it can be difficult if you have a pet.

“Sadly, the situation is getting worse and worse.”

If you think you could offer a home to an animal at Woodside, visit www.woodsidesanctuary.org.uk or call 01752 347503.