Lockdown pet boom has had backlash says animal charity
![Mike Flynn](https://www.glasgowworld.com/webimg/RUxNOTAwMDY2Mzk=.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![Mike Flynn](/img/placeholder.png)
The dramatic rise in calls has been credited to the very high number of families acquiring puppies and cats during lockdown For between September 1 2020 and January 5 2021, Scotland’s animal welfare charity has received 476 calls from people looking to give up their animals.
This compares to 205 calls in the same period in 2019/20. Calls about unwanted dogs increased by 103% from 105 to 213.
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Hide AdCalls from people looking to give up cats jumped 151% from 61 to 153.
The charity had predicted that this would issue and was indeed correct.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Whilst not such a big issue for kittens, a generation of pups will have grown up in a household where the family is often around
“Once that situation changes it can be hard for a dog to adjust and this can lead to behavioural issues and separation anxiety.
“These issues can lead to dogs being destructive.
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Hide Ad“What owners don’t realise is that the dog is acting this way because of its own experiences not because of any ingrained issue. “We would urge people to consider a reputable behaviourist or training before they give up their pet.
Anyone considering giving up their animal should contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999 in confidence.
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