Cost of living crisis: Reptile centre struggling with demand

Chris Newman said the National Centre for Reptile Welfare in Tonbridge, Kent, is struggling with demand

A reptile rescue and rehoming centre has reported a large influx of animals due to the cost of living crisis.

Chris Newman, from the National Centre for Reptile Welfare in Tonbridge, Kent, said the charity had seen a 30% rise in demand alongside a 20% drop in adoptions.

One volunteer said the centre could see about 15 animals dropped off in one day.

They are now aiming to raise £100,000 to expand their facilities.

'Double whammy'

Since the centre opened in 2018, it has rescued and rehomed over 500 different species including snakes, lizards and tortoises.

The centre - which is staffed almost entirely by volunteers and students from a neighbouring college - sees about 2,500 animals come through its doors every year.

Mr Newman said the centre was experiencing a "double whammy".

"Because the cost of living crisis has impacted owners, they're surrendering their animals, it actually also means that people are less likely to take animals on," he said.

Other reasons for the surge in demand include the rise in people living in flats and certain reptile species outliving their owners.

Taylor, a volunteer at the centre, said they do not say no to taking in animals

Volunteer Taylor Port-Forbes said it was "so sad" that some owners had to give up their animals.

She said: "Obviously the after-effects of the Covid pandemic, we are seeing a massive, massive influx of animals, sometimes we can see 15 animals come in a day.

"But because we don't say no to animals, we need to find that space."

Mr Newman said the centre was hoping to raise funds to refurbish the building and expand their facilities.

Across the region, animal charities have reported a surge in people abandoning their pets due to the cost of living crisis.

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