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OPTIMISTICALLY peeking through Santa-themed wrapping paper, adorable Rocky has one wish this Christmas.
The five-year-old lurcher/shar-pei mix yearns for a nurturing home, just like many of his fellow rescues who have spent up to a year and a half in the charity’s care.
Rocky is one of the pups looking for a home this ChristmasCredit: RSPCA
Some of these animals have experienced abuse, others have been starved, and one was abandoned on a busy road before being rescued by the charity.
The RSPCA is facing an “unprecedented” rehoming crisis, following record numbers of dogs being surrendered or taken into its care.
Dog surrenders have reached a six-year high, with the emergency line receiving a call every nine minutes.
Alarmingly, neglect cases have increased by 30 percent this year.
To learn more about the dogs listed or other animals seeking a new home, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/findapet
The increase in rescues has been partly attributed to puppy farming.
This practice is set to be banned by
Puppy farming is believed to account for 80 percent of puppy sales in the UK, with animals being mass-bred in inhumane, cruel, and unregulated conditions.
The RSPCA has long been raising awareness about animal abandonment, previously describing it as an “epidemic.”
This situation reached a crisis point in the summer when national centers were filled to capacity, forcing the charity to use private kennels, which cost £8 million in 2024.
During this year’s peak, the RSPCA had 1,646 dogs in its care, more than double the July 2020 figure of 732.
Many of the rescues are larger breeds, which take seven times longer to find homes compared to smaller dogs.
While the average rehoming time for a small dog is just seven days, it takes 147 days for an Alaskan malamute, 94 days for a presa canario, and 80 days for a shar-pei.
The alarming abandonment numbers have been attributed to the
Dr. Sam Gaines from the RSPCA stated: “We are in an unprecedented rehoming crisis as several large-scale cruelty and neglect cases have led to record numbers of dogs and cats in our care.
‘SECOND CHANCE’
“We are at risk of running out of space and desperately need adopters now more than ever, so we can continue to rescue and care for the animals who need us.
“But we believe the right people are out there, and we urgently need to hear from them.
“Gentle giants, big softies, and larger-than-life characters, we have every kind of big dog, each unique, special, and deserving of a second chance at happiness.”
Today, The Sun showcases some of the RSPCA rescue dogs who hope Santa will grant them their greatest wish.
ROCKY – Age: 5, lurcher/shar-pei cross, 432 days in care, South Yorks
Rocky, 5, loves wrapping paperCredit: RSPCA
CHRISTMAS wrapping paper enthusiast Rocky was surrendered with another dog, who has since found a new home.
There’s never a dull moment with him.
He’s excited about everything and will do anything for a treat.
MOLLY – Age: 6, unknown crossbreed, 368 days in care, South Yorks
Molly has been looking for a home for over a year now
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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