The rising cost of living in Nigeria has led to a heartbreaking trend, as many animal lovers are forced to surrender their pets to shelters. With inflation rates hitting 35% last December and the ongoing economic downturn affecting job stability, pet care has become a luxury few can afford.
Economic Hardship Forces Pet Owners in Nigeria to Give Up Beloved Animals
Economic Hardship Forces Pet Owners in Nigeria to Give Up Beloved Animals
As inflation soars and job losses mount, distressed Nigerians find themselves abandoning pets they can no longer afford to care for.
Article Text:
In a heart-wrenching trend emerging from Nigeria, the escalating economic crisis is resulting in scores of pet owners relinquishing their animals to shelters due to financial constraints. In the bustling city of Lagos, where the cost of living continues to rise, one emotional scene unfolded as Preye Maxwell bid farewell to his beloved dog, Hanks. Struggling with recent unemployment, Maxwell, a media strategist, expressed his sorrow: "I can't afford to feed him the way he should be fed," highlighting the difficult decisions many pet owners are now facing.
Veterinarian Dr. Mark Afua, who oversees an animal shelter, has reported an influx of abandoned pets, with around 10 to 12 animals arriving each month. The surge in pet surrenders highlights a broader issue as Nigeria grapples with high inflation rates. Since President Bola Tinubu took office, inflation has seen peaks of over 35%, greatly impacting daily living costs, with essential items like pet food soaring by over 100%.
Animal rights groups and shelters are witnessing unprecedented numbers of pets abandoned, as financial pressures force individuals to choose between their livelihoods and their furry companions. For many, the challenging job market and economic instability make it impossible to maintain the level of care their pets deserve.
Individuals like Jackie Idimogu, who leads a community of dog lovers, are torn between their love for their pets and the reality of rising costs. Idimogu remarks that much of her income now goes towards her own dogs, noting, "I don’t see any difference between myself as a dog mum and a human mum." Despite her sacrifices, she insists on keeping her pets, adapting her lifestyle to ensure their well-being.
The struggle is echoed among various pet owners throughout Lagos. Jason the Cat Guy shares his experience as inflation has doubled the costs of feeding his feline friends, while Iyke Elueze reflects on the skyrocketing prices of dog food, illustrating the challenges many now face. The fear of pets ending up as dog meat—a delicacy in some regions—only adds to their stress.
Mistura Ibrahim, a tattoo artist committed to rescuing cats, is disheartened by the growing number of calls from previous adopters unable to care for their pets any longer. Her experience underscores the urgent need for individuals to consider the responsibilities of pet ownership in light of current financial strains.
With shelters like the St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation caring for more than double their capacity, Dr. Afua emphasizes the importance of ensuring the well-being of animals in new homes while managing the overwhelming influx. The future remains uncertain for many pets in Nigeria, as the impact of the economic crisis continues to unfold. In the face of hardship, the bond between humans and their pets proves to be a bittersweet reality, with many forced to make painful decisions for the sake of survival.
In a heart-wrenching trend emerging from Nigeria, the escalating economic crisis is resulting in scores of pet owners relinquishing their animals to shelters due to financial constraints. In the bustling city of Lagos, where the cost of living continues to rise, one emotional scene unfolded as Preye Maxwell bid farewell to his beloved dog, Hanks. Struggling with recent unemployment, Maxwell, a media strategist, expressed his sorrow: "I can't afford to feed him the way he should be fed," highlighting the difficult decisions many pet owners are now facing.
Veterinarian Dr. Mark Afua, who oversees an animal shelter, has reported an influx of abandoned pets, with around 10 to 12 animals arriving each month. The surge in pet surrenders highlights a broader issue as Nigeria grapples with high inflation rates. Since President Bola Tinubu took office, inflation has seen peaks of over 35%, greatly impacting daily living costs, with essential items like pet food soaring by over 100%.
Animal rights groups and shelters are witnessing unprecedented numbers of pets abandoned, as financial pressures force individuals to choose between their livelihoods and their furry companions. For many, the challenging job market and economic instability make it impossible to maintain the level of care their pets deserve.
Individuals like Jackie Idimogu, who leads a community of dog lovers, are torn between their love for their pets and the reality of rising costs. Idimogu remarks that much of her income now goes towards her own dogs, noting, "I don’t see any difference between myself as a dog mum and a human mum." Despite her sacrifices, she insists on keeping her pets, adapting her lifestyle to ensure their well-being.
The struggle is echoed among various pet owners throughout Lagos. Jason the Cat Guy shares his experience as inflation has doubled the costs of feeding his feline friends, while Iyke Elueze reflects on the skyrocketing prices of dog food, illustrating the challenges many now face. The fear of pets ending up as dog meat—a delicacy in some regions—only adds to their stress.
Mistura Ibrahim, a tattoo artist committed to rescuing cats, is disheartened by the growing number of calls from previous adopters unable to care for their pets any longer. Her experience underscores the urgent need for individuals to consider the responsibilities of pet ownership in light of current financial strains.
With shelters like the St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation caring for more than double their capacity, Dr. Afua emphasizes the importance of ensuring the well-being of animals in new homes while managing the overwhelming influx. The future remains uncertain for many pets in Nigeria, as the impact of the economic crisis continues to unfold. In the face of hardship, the bond between humans and their pets proves to be a bittersweet reality, with many forced to make painful decisions for the sake of survival.
