RSPCA urges people to adopt big dogs as crisis sees record numbers in care

Could you provide a home for Sox, Lemmy and Ivy? The RSPCA is urging people to consider adopting larger dogs this Adoptober as the charity is struggling with record numbers of dogs in its care It is hoped that this Adoptober forever homes will be found for Labrador cross Sox, Cane Corso Cross Lemmy (pictured) and Cane Corso Cross Ivy who are being cared for by RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter in Exeter. In 2024 the RSPCA as a whole across its centres and branches rehomed a staggering 26,167 animals. Branches are part of the RSPCA but run as charities in their own right and work incredibly hard to rehome and rehabilitate animals across England and Wales. The rehoming appeals for Sox, Lemmy and Ivy comes as the RSPCA reveals it is facing a rehoming crisis with record numbers of rescued dogs in care across RSPCA national animal centres and branches. While new data from the charity* reveals that it can take up to seven times longer for some larger dog breeds to find a new home compared to smaller dogs. RSPCA pet behaviour expert Dr Sam Gaines said: "We urgently need homes for big dogs, who can wait seven times longer than smaller dogs to find their forever home. "We are in an unprecedented rehoming crisis as several large-scale cruelty and neglect cases have led to record numbers of dogs and cats in our care and are at risk of running out of space. We desperately need adopters now more than ever, so we can continue to rescue and care for the animals who need us. "It's the perfect storm with dogs rescued from cruelty and neglect needing longer to recover and needing more specialist homes, and at the same time, rehoming has slowed right across the welfare sector." Sam added: "Our unique and special dogs may not be the right pet for everyone. Some need some extra help to help them recover from their past, some are misunderstood because of the way they look, some need quiet homes with no other pets, and others need owners who can keep up with their boundless zest for life. "But we know the right people are out there and urgently need to hear from them. Gentle giants, big softies and larger than life characters; we've got every kind of big dog, each one is unique, special and deserves a second chance of happiness." Lovable Lemmy is a one-year-old Cane Corso Cross who didn't have the best start in life. He has spent the last few months learning that the world doesn't have to be a scary place and is now ready to find a home of his own. Liam Bassett, from RSPCA Little Valley, said: "Lemmy's still learning, so we're looking for a calm, adult-only home with no other pets, where he can continue to build his confidence at his own pace. "He's already enjoying offsite walks with familiar people and has made some great progress, but he'll need adopters who are happy to go on this journey with him—continuing his training and helping him feel safe. "Once Lemmy trusts you, he's a total softie—loving, loyal, and full of personality! He's going to make an amazing companion for someone who understands that slow and steady wins the race. "This wonderful lad has come so far already, and we can't wait to see how he thrives in the right home. If you're up for a bit of a project and have space in your heart (and on your sofa), Lemmy could be your new best mate." Lemmy wouldn't be able to live with cats or dogs, and would be best in an adult-only household. Labrador cross Sox (pictured|) is a smart and active two-year-old who is dreaming of finding someone special this Adoptober. Sox was found abandoned but since arriving at Little Valley he has been building on his confidence and has made progress with feeling more at ease around other dogs.