Shelter staff shocked after dog shooting threat

Natalie Rhodes said the Hull Animal Welfare Trust is taking calls every day from people asking to rehome their pets

Staff at a charity which rehomes pets have been left shocked after a visitor threatened to shoot his dog unless they took it in.

Daffodil, a labrador cross, was taken to the Hull Animal Welfare Trust in South Cave by her owner on Wednesday.

But, after volunteers said they were unable to help due to a lack of space, the man made threats against the animal.

Eventually, the staff found a temporary shelter for Daffodil and told the BBC they are hopeful of rehoming her "in the near future".

Natalie Rhodes, deputy manager at the Trust, said the incident had been "upsetting" for everyone at the shelter.

She said: "We don't know the circumstances of why he was so desperate but thankfully Daffodil is safe. That's the main thing.

"Even when we can't help, we really do want to. We just wish that sometimes there was a level of understanding that we're not being awkward, we simply don't have anywhere to put her."

The charity, which was formed in 1982, said Daffodil had been a "dream" from the moment she arrived and is described as being calm and friendly.

Staff at the charity are hoping to find a new home for Daffodil after taking her into the shelter

Officials at the trust said the incident, although extreme, is a reminder of the pressures that owners and the organisation are facing.

The shelter is said to be "full to capacity" with the trust taking calls "every day" from owners looking to relinquish their pets.

Natalie said: "Illnesses, allergies, affordability, moving away, new jobs, the list is endless. We have a book with pages and pages of people asking for help.

"With the cost of living, everything has gone up and some people simply can't afford to feed and provide for their dogs. Some are struggling to look after their families so that is a massive factor."

Follow BBC East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]