RSPCA Block Fen in Cambridgeshire is at or near full capacity - with 77 animals currently at the charity's rehoming centre in Wimblington. 

Amid a rehoming crisis - new figures show that, in 2023, 42% more animals arrived at the RSPCA than were adopted - the charity is launching its annual ‘Adoptober’ campaign. 

With many animals having to stay in temporary emergency boarding until a space opens up for them at a rehoming centre, the campaign urges animal lovers to adopt a pet from a rescue centre rather than buying from a breeder.

The problem is now worse than the previous year - when pet intake (37,910) was 39% greater than the numbers rehomed (27,277).

(Image: RSPCA) Until animals like bulldog Biscuit - a bundle of energy who loves people, food and most of all water - are adopted, there is little to no space for new animals to be brought into the centre for rehoming.

Despite having a tough start to her life, Biscuit has settled in at RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre and is patiently awaiting her forever home.

She is a sweet and trusting girl who adores belly rubs and cuddles.

She has hip dysplasia, so any potential adopters should be prepared to meet her medical needs and understand potential future costs.

Biscuit is hoping to find a home where she can be the centre of attention, with experienced Bulldog owners and no other pets.

She is also looking for a home where she is the only dog with no other animals, but she can live with older children.

Karen Colman, who leads the RSPCA team finding places for rescued animals, said: “Our rescue centres are jam-packed, and across the board, we’ve been seeing more animals coming to us than we are rehoming. 

“We are issuing a rallying cry to anyone in the Cambridgeshire area considering adding a pet to their family to step in and help by giving a rescue pet a second chance instead of buying from breeders.

“Our rehoming centres have reached crisis point and are full-to-bursting, creating a bottle-neck where we’re having to care for rescued animals at emergency boarding kennels and catteries.

“We are also still seeing the effect of the pandemic on dogs and an increase in those coming into care with complex behaviour, which is contributing to the pressure for spaces at rehoming centres.

“This is compounded by the cost of living crisis with fees associated with their pet care beyond the means of some people at the moment... but our amazing teams are doing all they can."