Dog rescue charity overwhelmed after post lockdown increase

Staffie and Stray are struggling to keep up with the increase of dogs being passed to them as they explain they are coming in "thick and fast". 

Calli Byrne founder of the Staffie and Stray said: "During covid, the price of puppies increased dramatically due to demand, as everyone was home during the lockdown."

"Along with people trying "backyard breeding" because people had so much more time on their hands, but then returning to work they realised that the dogs could not be left and had not been trained or socialised their dogs due to covid."

Jax a dog in Staffie and Strays care

"Now people are seeking rescue places to give up the dogs."

The charity is urging the public to "adopt don't shop". Calli said: "All rescues are full to the brim due to covid, people losing jobs, mental health and the cost of living crisis."

"We are seeing a peak in the number of dogs coming in at the moment but I believe it is going continue to rise." 

"The larger dogs and the bully breeds are sat waiting on death row for dog rescue places as they are not seen as appealing as the smaller dogs."

Lily the dog in Staffie and Strays care

The rise in people purchasing dogs throughout the pandemic has had a knock-on effect on vets.

Calli said: "We have also noticed that a lot of veterinary practices are full and not taking on new clients due to an overload of puppies requiring vaccinations and appointments.

"The waiting list for neutering/spaying is delayed due to the demand for c sections as there are still lots of puppies in demand."

Staffie and Stray have thorough criteria for applicants to consider before applying.

The dogs that come into rescue have often been let down once before or even multiple times before arriving in rescue, so it is vital that they are not being set up to fail once they are in the care of the rescue. 

If you are interested in fostering or adopting contact Staffie and Stray at staffiesrescue@gmail.com