Animal shelters and associations have reported a concerning increase in pet abandonment, possibly due to the climbing cost of living that makes it harder for owner to make ends meet.
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SOS Pets Israel, for instance, reported a drastic increase in requests to take in cats and dogs or help with medical bills.
Founder and head Riki Bassry said, "All municipal shelters are full due to an increase in pet abandonment and the number of stray cats and dogs that they take in every day. There is also an increase in requests for medical aid to provide the pets with life-saving treatments."
A veterinarian working for the "Let the Animals Live" association concurred, saying that "the reason behind this is the cost of living that has been rising in recent years. Over th past year alone, over 300 dogs were either abandoned by their owners or returned to the shelters."
Similarly, CEO of "Let the Animals Live" Yael Arkin said that the inflation affects "both the individual and the association. Prices have risen in all areas – vaccinations, treatments, even food. She also lamented what she called a lack of responsibility on behalf of the government in the matter."
She noted that due to the inflation, individuals are also less likely to adopt pets or donate to animal shelters and organizations.
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