Congleton rescue centre sees rise in exotic pets being given up

Crayola the Chameleon was taken into the care of the rescue centre after his owners moved out and left him

A record number of animals, including exotic pets, are being given up, a rescue centre says.

Staff at Bacchus Residents Rescue in Congleton believe the rise in cases is down to the cost of living.

It wants stronger regulation on the sale of exotic pets, and people better educated on the cost and responsibilities of ownership.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said it was improving animal welfare standards.

Melanie Bacchus has run the sanctuary from her home for nine years, and started with two gerbils.

In 2023 however, more than 200 animals were taken into the centre's care, after being handed over or abandoned.

"We're getting surrenders every single day, whether it be rabbits, hamsters or exotics, which are growing more and more," she said.

Melanie and Jodie Bacchus opened the centre with two gerbils - in 2023, more than 200 animals were handed into them

"I think people are struggling," said her daughter Jodie Bacchus, who said owners were giving them, despite them still being their "beloved pet".

With reptiles and rodents in particular, she said, although the cost of caring for them may have been manageable 10 years ago, as the pets get older it may no longer be affordable.

"The cost of living is having a big impact on surrender requests," she continued.

She also believes it can be too easy for people to buy exotic pets, with little or no knowledge of how to look after them.

"I know of stores where you can go, 'Shall we get a bearded dragon right now?', and there will be minimal checks."

A Chinchilla was found abandoned in Silverdale, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Owners are not always made aware of how big some pets can become, or about complications involved in their care, she added.

The RSPCA said it was concerned some exotic pets were being abandoned because their owners were struggling to pay higher electricity bills.

The majority of exotic pets, including reptiles, needed a carefully controlled environment, with specialised equipment for lighting and 24-hour heating.

Jail sentence increased

Failure to do so could result in serious ill-health, the charity added.

Defra said it was committed to raising the bar for animal welfare standards, and it was an offence to fail to provide for the welfare needs of an animal, including exotic pets.

The maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty had increased to five years said the government department, and it was currently legislating to ban the keeping of primates as pets.

In 2023, Bacchus Residents Rescue rehomed 266 animals, including more than 100 rats, 17 Syrian hamsters, four giant African land snails and three chinchillas.