Manx animal charity warns it is 'at capacity'

The Manx SPCA said its kennels and cattery are full and it is now asking the public to help find homes for the animals in its care.

The charity said it had seen a "massive increase" in cats, dogs and kittens needing rehoming this summer, more than in previous years.

Krish Boruch, who dedicates all her time to the care of the animals, is now urging people thinking of getting a pet to adopt rather than buy cheaply advertised animals on social media.

"Our aim is always to find a cat or a dog that fits that person, and never to mould an animal," she said.

Summer is usually a busy time for the charity, with a seasonal rise in cats, dogs and wildlife coming into its care. But this year, Krish said, that increase has gone further than in previous years, particularly for dogs.

"We've hit a point where we're actually quite full," she said.

"We only have a certain number of pens, a certain number of kennels, and we are hitting that limit, where we have now got a waiting list for dogs to come in for rehoming."

The charity currently has more than 120 cats and kittens in its care.

Some are in isolation units ahead of being cleared for adoption, while others are simply waiting for their forever home.

Krish said one of the main drivers behind the surge was the rise of pets being advertised for sale on social media.

Facebook banned pet sales on its Marketplace platform some years ago, but she said sellers have increasingly found ways around it, including through emojis, to keep advertising animals.

"There are Facebook Marketplace offerings of 20-pound kittens," she said.

"Often with no health checks carried out, that kitten could be very ill. It could need vet treatment. It could be full of worms or have cat flu. Owners might not realise this and then be faced with a vet bill they can't afford."

The charity said it had taken in kittens with cat flu after owners were unable to afford treatment, and dogs surrendered after turning out to be unsuited to a new owner's housing, other pets or children.

Every animal that comes into the Manx SPCA's care is assessed by a vet, and receives a health check, vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, a microchip, and neutering or spaying where appropriate, before being rehomed.

Krish said a common misconception was around who can adopt.

Anyone over 18 can apply, and tenants need their landlord's permission, but there is no upper age limit.

She said older or retired people are often well suited to an older animal in particular.

"You could be an older person, you could be retired, and you might think, I'd like a companion," she said.

"There's likely an older dog that would be perfect for you."

The charity said it is also currently appealing for donations of kitten food, given the number of cats and kittens in its care.

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