Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Annual Battersea statistics highlight cost of living crisis
Pictured: Fir, admitted to Battersea with mother and 3 siblings under two weeks old due to financial pressures.

Figures for 2022 reflect lower rate of neutering.

Animal rescue and rehoming charity Battersea has shared the impact of the cost of living crisis on its centres, with a record number of puppies and kittens born in the charity's care in 2022.

With the increasing cost of living, Battersea believes that fewer households are getting their pet neutered, considering the procedure a non-essential expense.

Across Battersea's centres in London, Old Windsor and Brands Hatch, 133 kittens and 29 puppies were born in 2022, compared to a yearly average of 82 kittens and 16 puppies.

Centre manager Steve Craddock discussed the fewer numbers of pets getting neutered: “We suspect fewer people are getting their pets neutered, perceiving this to be a non-essential cost.

“However, we know the reality is quite different. Cats can reach sexual maturity and get pregnant at just four months old, leaving unneutered cats at a high risk of having unwanted kittens – which will be both time-intensive and costly to care for. 

“Our research estimates the average yearly cost of owning a cat is now approximately £1,500, so any unplanned litters will come with a hefty price tag attached for the average family.”

Alongside the unprecedented number of kittens and puppies born in the charity's care in 2022, a higher proportion of pets have been admitted as a direct result of financial pressures on owners.

In November 2022, 15 per cent of dogs and 10 per cent of cats were brought into Battersea by owners who stated they could no longer afford to keep their pets.

 

Images (C) Battersea

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.