By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-10-06 12:51:09 | Updated at 2026-10-08 00:27:33
1 day ago
The RSPCA is urgently appealing for people to adopt or foster animals as the charity struggles to cope with a growing number coming into its care.
The charity says it currently has more animals in its care than there is space available across its centres and branches.
On average, there are more than 7,000 animals in RSPCA care at any one time, while its branches and centres find homes for around 70 animals every day.
But animals are arriving faster than they’re being adopted.
The team at Blackberry Farm RSPCA centre is hoping to see more animals find homes during their 'Adoptober' campaign.
Lauren Gillard, the kennel supervisor, said, “Adoptober is all about getting animals out of our centres and our branches and into homes.”
Gillard is encouraging animal lovers to consider fostering, as well as adoption.
She said, “There's something out there for everyone. It's just about having an open mind. Anything from a hamster to a horse and all different breeds of dogs.”
There are more than 7,000 animals in RSPCA care at any one time
GB NEWS
The charity is facing growing pressure, with a rise in multi-animal cases.
RSPCA frontline officers have dealt with 410 incidents every month, involving 10 or more animals at a single address.
That’s already more than the charity saw in 2025, which was itself a record-breaking year for these types of cases.
Gillard said, “We have a lot of them coming in at the moment, and that means we have an influx of animals that we're desperate to get out.”
Lauren Gillard, the kennel supervisor, said, 'Adoptober is all about getting animals out of our centres and our branches and into homes'
GB NEWS
A recent prosecution case highlights the scale of the problem.
In April 2025, 84 dogs and two cats were discovered living in “appalling” conditions in South Yorkshire.
The animals were rescued in a joint operation involving nine RSPCA officers, police and the local authority. All but one of the dogs have since found new homes.
RSPCA Chief Executive Jo Rowland said the charity is now struggling to cope with the number of animals coming into its care.
She said, “We are struggling and we urgently need help. Our frontline officers are finding dozens, even hundreds of animals in need at single addresses.”
She continued: “Animals who have come from homes like this often have behavioural and medical needs, due to the environment they have been living in and need a little more care and understanding.”
Some 84 dogs and two cats were discovered living in 'appalling' conditions in South Yorkshire
RSPCA
With animal cruelty and neglect also on the rise, the number of animals in RSPCA care reached a six-year high last year.
At Blackberry Farm, Gillard said, “We've got quite a lot of animals waiting in our boarding to come through to kennels. So, the quicker we get our animals adopted out of our centres and branches, the more we can take in to us”
More than 1,000 animals are also being housed in private boarding kennels, catteries and stable yards, waiting to be placed into RSPCA care.
The RSPCA is also working with Inspiring Vet Care, its official veterinary partner for Adoptober, to help provide care for animals rescued from multi-animal cases.
The organisation is supporting the campaign across more than 750 veterinary practices in England and Wales, helping raise awareness of animals looking for homes.
The charity is now urging anyone who can offer a loving home to consider adopting or fostering this Adoptober, helping free up vital space for the next animals in need.
