Pet owners across Nigeria are surrendering their beloved animals to shelters due to financial difficulties driven by high inflation and economic instability. As owners struggle to afford basic needs for their pets, shelters report unprecedented numbers of animals being abandoned or given up for adoption.
Economic Struggles Force Nigerians to Abandon Pets Amid Inflation Crisis
Economic Struggles Force Nigerians to Abandon Pets Amid Inflation Crisis
A heartbreaking surge in pet abandonment has emerged in Nigeria as rising living costs and inflation make pet care increasingly unattainable for many.
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In Lagos, Nigeria, the economic struggle is becoming painfully clear, as an increasing number of pet owners are forced to surrender their animals to shelters due to financial constraints. The situation has reached a heartbreaking point as inflation and living costs soar.
One poignant example is Preye Maxwell, who reluctantly left his two-year-old American Eskimo, Hanks, at the St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation. Overcome by emotion, he expressed, "I can't afford to take care of him. I can't afford to feed him the way he should be fed." His job loss has left him unable to provide the necessary care, forcing his hand.
Dr. Mark Afua, a veterinarian and the shelter’s chairman, witnesses this trend firsthand. "Right now, we have 10 to 12 animals being dropped in a month," he reported. The economic downturn in Nigeria, exacerbated by a recent spike in inflation—from 22% in May to a staggering 35% by December 2024—has created a desperate environment. As prices for pet food and veterinary services surged by more than 100%, many pet owners find themselves overwhelmed.
Animal rights advocates note that the increase in abandoned pets, whether surrendered at shelters or left tied outside, indicates a significant shift in societal attitudes towards animal care. Jackie Idimogu, president of the dog-lovers' community My Dog and I, highlighted that people's patience for finding new homes has diminished, resulting in them abandoning their pets on the streets.
Others, like Iyke Elueze, worry about the fate of their dogs if they are forced to give them up, as dog meat is a delicacy in certain regions. Similarly, pet enthusiasts such as Amartya Odanokende, also known as "Jason the Cat Guy," are anxious about whether they can continuously meet their pets' needs amid rising costs.
Even those who strive to keep their pets are making sacrifices to manage expenses. Mistura Ibrahim, a tattoo artist and cat rescuer, noted that she has had to downgrade her cat's food, opting for what's left on her own plate rather than premium brands.
Dr. Afua, who relies on his veterinary practice to fund his shelter, finds it increasingly difficult to accommodate the growing number of abandoned animals. "I don't have the heart to turn away an animal," he shared, filling his shelter beyond capacity.
As the economic crunch continues to fuel saddening decisions amidst pet owners, the companionship offered by pets remains invaluable, reminding us that the ties between humans and animals often transcend financial situations.
In Lagos, Nigeria, the economic struggle is becoming painfully clear, as an increasing number of pet owners are forced to surrender their animals to shelters due to financial constraints. The situation has reached a heartbreaking point as inflation and living costs soar.
One poignant example is Preye Maxwell, who reluctantly left his two-year-old American Eskimo, Hanks, at the St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation. Overcome by emotion, he expressed, "I can't afford to take care of him. I can't afford to feed him the way he should be fed." His job loss has left him unable to provide the necessary care, forcing his hand.
Dr. Mark Afua, a veterinarian and the shelter’s chairman, witnesses this trend firsthand. "Right now, we have 10 to 12 animals being dropped in a month," he reported. The economic downturn in Nigeria, exacerbated by a recent spike in inflation—from 22% in May to a staggering 35% by December 2024—has created a desperate environment. As prices for pet food and veterinary services surged by more than 100%, many pet owners find themselves overwhelmed.
Animal rights advocates note that the increase in abandoned pets, whether surrendered at shelters or left tied outside, indicates a significant shift in societal attitudes towards animal care. Jackie Idimogu, president of the dog-lovers' community My Dog and I, highlighted that people's patience for finding new homes has diminished, resulting in them abandoning their pets on the streets.
Others, like Iyke Elueze, worry about the fate of their dogs if they are forced to give them up, as dog meat is a delicacy in certain regions. Similarly, pet enthusiasts such as Amartya Odanokende, also known as "Jason the Cat Guy," are anxious about whether they can continuously meet their pets' needs amid rising costs.
Even those who strive to keep their pets are making sacrifices to manage expenses. Mistura Ibrahim, a tattoo artist and cat rescuer, noted that she has had to downgrade her cat's food, opting for what's left on her own plate rather than premium brands.
Dr. Afua, who relies on his veterinary practice to fund his shelter, finds it increasingly difficult to accommodate the growing number of abandoned animals. "I don't have the heart to turn away an animal," he shared, filling his shelter beyond capacity.
As the economic crunch continues to fuel saddening decisions amidst pet owners, the companionship offered by pets remains invaluable, reminding us that the ties between humans and animals often transcend financial situations.
