As inflation soars in Nigeria, many pet owners are left with no choice but to abandon their beloved companions due to financial constraints. Animal shelters are overwhelmed with surrendered pets, a troubling trend linked to the economic strife gripping the nation.
Nigeria’s Economic Struggles Lead to Heartbreaking Pet Abandonment Crisis
Nigeria’s Economic Struggles Lead to Heartbreaking Pet Abandonment Crisis
Rising living costs in Nigeria force pet owners to make difficult decisions, resulting in alarming rates of abandoned animals.
With inflation rates peaking in Nigeria, a heartbreaking trend is emerging as countless pet owners are surrendering their beloved animals due to financial struggles. Recent reports reveal that animal shelters in Lagos are overwhelmed, with figures showing a rise in the number of pets abandoned monthly.
Preye Maxwell heartbreakingly shared his story of leaving his two-year-old American Eskimo, Hanks, at the St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation. Forced into unemployment and overwhelmed with job hunting, he was unable to provide adequate food and care for his dog. “I can’t afford to feed him the way he should be fed,” he explained, embodying the struggles of many in Nigeria, where the economic climate has deteriorated dramatically in recent years.
Since President Bola Tinubu's administration ended fuel subsidies, the nation's inflation rate skyrocketed from 22% in May 2023 to 35% by December of that year. Although it has recently fallen to 24%, the prices of everyday essentials—including pet food and veterinary care—have surged significantly, causing countless families to make the painful choice of giving up their pets. Dr. Mark Afua, who runs a shelter in Lagos, noted a stark increase in animals being handed over, recounting nights filled with anguished pleas from owners who can no longer afford their furry companions.
The impact on animal welfare groups is undeniable, as both shelters and activists report unprecedented numbers of abandoned and mistreated animals. According to Jackie Idimogu, a prominent animal rights activist, abandonment has escalated as owners opt to tie their pets up outside or release them on the streets rather than seeking responsible re-homing options.
Meanwhile, pet owners who refuse to surrender their companions, like local furniture maker Idimogu, find themselves tightening their belts to maintain their pet care standards. “I’m spending roughly 250,000 naira ($158) every month on my four dogs,” she said, indicating the lengths people are willing to go to keep their pets, often sacrificing their own luxuries to provide care.
Those who love their pets, like Iyke Elueze with his 10 dogs, struggle painfully between caring for their animals and attending to their families. “The price of food has skyrocketed from 30,000 naira to 165,000 naira,” he lamented, further emphasizing the difficult choices faced by many.
Dr. Afua remains dedicated to helping as many animals as possible, noting that his shelter is currently housing over 60 dogs—double its capacity. He struggles with the dilemma of turning away animals, believing that he must make space for as many as he can despite the constraints.
Mistura Ibrahim, who rescues cats, echoes the sentiment that owning pets is a serious responsibility that requires adequate resources. "If you can't afford to have a child, then don't bring a child to the world," she insists, applying the same logic to pet ownership.
As the economic challenges in Nigeria persist, the plight of abandoned pets reveals a deeper crisis of care and responsibility entwined with the realities of survival in a struggling nation. The situation calls for immense societal support and consideration for animal welfare amidst the ongoing financial hardships.
Preye Maxwell heartbreakingly shared his story of leaving his two-year-old American Eskimo, Hanks, at the St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation. Forced into unemployment and overwhelmed with job hunting, he was unable to provide adequate food and care for his dog. “I can’t afford to feed him the way he should be fed,” he explained, embodying the struggles of many in Nigeria, where the economic climate has deteriorated dramatically in recent years.
Since President Bola Tinubu's administration ended fuel subsidies, the nation's inflation rate skyrocketed from 22% in May 2023 to 35% by December of that year. Although it has recently fallen to 24%, the prices of everyday essentials—including pet food and veterinary care—have surged significantly, causing countless families to make the painful choice of giving up their pets. Dr. Mark Afua, who runs a shelter in Lagos, noted a stark increase in animals being handed over, recounting nights filled with anguished pleas from owners who can no longer afford their furry companions.
The impact on animal welfare groups is undeniable, as both shelters and activists report unprecedented numbers of abandoned and mistreated animals. According to Jackie Idimogu, a prominent animal rights activist, abandonment has escalated as owners opt to tie their pets up outside or release them on the streets rather than seeking responsible re-homing options.
Meanwhile, pet owners who refuse to surrender their companions, like local furniture maker Idimogu, find themselves tightening their belts to maintain their pet care standards. “I’m spending roughly 250,000 naira ($158) every month on my four dogs,” she said, indicating the lengths people are willing to go to keep their pets, often sacrificing their own luxuries to provide care.
Those who love their pets, like Iyke Elueze with his 10 dogs, struggle painfully between caring for their animals and attending to their families. “The price of food has skyrocketed from 30,000 naira to 165,000 naira,” he lamented, further emphasizing the difficult choices faced by many.
Dr. Afua remains dedicated to helping as many animals as possible, noting that his shelter is currently housing over 60 dogs—double its capacity. He struggles with the dilemma of turning away animals, believing that he must make space for as many as he can despite the constraints.
Mistura Ibrahim, who rescues cats, echoes the sentiment that owning pets is a serious responsibility that requires adequate resources. "If you can't afford to have a child, then don't bring a child to the world," she insists, applying the same logic to pet ownership.
As the economic challenges in Nigeria persist, the plight of abandoned pets reveals a deeper crisis of care and responsibility entwined with the realities of survival in a struggling nation. The situation calls for immense societal support and consideration for animal welfare amidst the ongoing financial hardships.
