Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, is supporting a new survey from the charity Dogs Trust which aims to provide better support to people who may need to give up their dogs, with the goal of improving the welfare of both dogs and people.
Dogs Trust reached out to Gwynne, as an MP with a rehoming centre in his constituency, to spread awareness of this unique survey that aims to understand the painful circumstances that lead to someone relinquishing their dog.
Data released by Dogs Trust last year revealed that the charity was receiving a record number of calls from people asking the charity to take in their dogs, in the face of the increased cost of living. An online poll recently carried out for Dogs Trust found that one in ten dog owners (13%) has been forced into debt in order to care for their dog, with 15% saying that they would struggle to pay an unexpected vet bill of £100.
The Dogs Trust contact centre in Denton had one of the busiest years in its history last year. Dogs Trust’s Contact Centre can be contacted Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, on 020 7837 0006 or at info@dogstrust.org.uk
Commenting, Andrew Gwynne said:
“This is an incredibly complex and emotional issue, and I’m really pleased that Dog’s Trust UK are working proactively to address it.
“As the cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on ordinary people, the need to support dog owners and their pets couldn’t be more important.
“If you’re a dog owner who’s struggling, or have relinquished a pet in the past, please do fill in this anonymous survey. It’ll help inform the brilliant work of Dogs Trust UK, so that future dogs won’t have to suffer or be separated from their loving owners unnecessarily.”
Those wishing to fill out the survey can do so by clicking here.