Is there really a dog rescue problem in the UK?

But we’re a nation of dog lovers….

When speaking with people about the purpose behind Miraculous Meals – which is to help rescue centres solve the rising problems of unwanted and abandoned dogs in the UK – we often get asked if there’s a real problem in the UK that needs solving. It’s not uncommon to hear people say, “I know there’s a lot of problems with dogs abroad but in the UK we’re a nation of dog lovers.”

We are indeed a nation of dog lovers but the sad truth is that there’s a real and present problem in the UK, and it’s growing fast as outlined by statistics from the RSPCA . So fast, that it’s left UK rescue centres overwhelmed and underfunded. Most people just aren’t aware of what’s going on.

So, what’s causing the problem?

There's a combination of factors that have converged to create this dog welfare crisis in the UK

1. Lockdown dogs being given up

Almost everyone in the dog rescue world saw this one coming. A staggering 3.2m dogs were purchased during lockdown – many from unscrupulous breeders at exorbitant prices. A great number of these dogs were unsocialised and poorly trained making them unmanageable as their owners continue to return to work.  

2. Dogs being given up because of the cost of living

This is a heart-breaking situation with owners no longer being able to afford to look after their dogs and having to give them up at a time when their companionship and love is needed most. One of our partners, Edinburgh Dog & Cat home, as well as rehoming dogs given up, is doing great work to help dogs remain with their owners through their Scotland wide Pet Food Bank initiative. You can find out more here.

3. Status dogs and banned breeds needing to be rehomed

The problem of status dogs has been around for a while in the UK, especially in urban centres. The Metropolitan Police in London has had a Status Dog Unit since 2009 which is an indication of the scale of the problem. This problem has exponentially increased this year with the Bully XL ban which is likely to see thousands of dogs (some estimate there are up to 50k XL Bully dogs in the UK) abandoned or handed in to Rescue Centres who are already at capacity.

Together we can solve it!

To circle back, it’s precisely because we’re a nation of dog lovers that together we can solve this problem. We’re trying to do our bit by raising awareness of the problem and donating 50% of all our profits to UK rescue centres. The more we can raise, the more lives we can help change - so please spread the word.

You can also use our Refer a Friend program where for every friend you refer who joins we’ll donate £50 to a UK rescue centre. And of course, 50% of all the profits from the money they spend with us will be donated to UK dog rescue centres. You can refer a friends here.