Urgent appeal for Betty the pug and Harry Potter rabbits

Could magic be in the air this Adoptober for rabbits Harry and Ron, plus Betty the pug?

The furry duo and Betty are currently under the care of RSPCA Crewe, Nantwich & District Branch and it is hoped that they will cast a spell on potential adopters this special rehoming month of ‘Adoptober’.

Their special rehoming appeal comes as the RSPCA reveals it is facing a rehoming crisis across England and Wales. New figures show that in 2023, 42% more animals arrived at the RSPCA than were adopted.

Rehoming centres across England and Wales are at near or full capacity, with pets either waiting to be adopted, or being assessed for adoption - leaving countless dogs, cats and other animals still in emergency boarding waiting for a place at a rehoming centre.

In response, the RSPCA - which is marking its 200th year - is launching its annual ‘Adoptober’ rehoming campaign; urging animal lovers to adopt a pet from a rescue centre or RSPCA branch rather than buying from a breeder to help ease the spiralling rehoming crisis. 

Harry is white with black spots and Ron is a grey lop - and both are males of an unknown age. They are bonded buddies - much like the Harry Potter characters they are named after!

Also, like their namesakes, they usually get up to mischief and are looking for a home which can provide plenty of enrichment and fun for them! 

Rabbit Rehoming Coordinator Katie Farrie said:

“We’d love them to go to an indoor home as they’re super friendly, inquisitive and playful! They do enjoy supervised enrichment in the garden too!

“Ron is the more dominant of the two and sometimes likes to put Harry in his place, but it is Harry who’s happy to come for cuddles and a fuss first!”

“We’d be happy for them to go as a pair, or if you’ve already got a ‘Hermione’ to complete the golden trio, that would be magic too!

“Harry and Ron are neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.”

Meanwhile Betty is a sweet, little, four-year-old Pug who is looking for her forever home.

Betty has overcome significant health issues since she first came into the care of RSPCA Crewe, Nantwich & District Branch. She was obese and suffering from BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome). 

Dog Rehoming Coordinator Angie Chan said:

“A strict diet and exercise regime ensured she gradually reached a healthy weight and, earlier this year, we arranged for surgery to improve her breathing, which was very successful. 

“Her quality of life has been transformed and Betty can now play and exercise normally and happily.

“Betty is a real character! She’s friendly, sociable and affectionate. She loves a fuss - especially a back massage! She enjoys her walks, is good on the lead, and is always keen to get out and about.”

Ideally, Betty is looking for an owner at home with her most of the time. Betty would not be able to live with another dog or cats.

There are many common health issues with flat-faced animals and more information can be found here: 

RSPCA website

The RSPCA recently launched a campaign - Save Our Breath - urging the public not to buy breeds of dog, cat, rabbit and horse who cannot live normal lives due to the irresponsible way they’ve been selectively bred.

And the RSPCA fears that more of these animals could be abandoned or relinquished to charity as their owners struggle to cope with costly veterinary bills as the cost of living soars.

For more information and to express an interest for Betty or Harry and Ron, potential adopters can visit: 

Find A Pet

Last year, while the RSPCA’s 14 rehoming centres and 135 independently-run branches found new homes for an incredible 28,208 dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets, that was far fewer than the 40,118 animals that arrived at the shelters across England and Wales.

Karen Colman, who leads the RSPCA team finding places for rescued animals, said:

“Our rescue centres are jam-packed, and across the board, we’ve been seeing more animals coming to us than we are rehoming. 

“We are issuing a rallying cry to anyone considering adding a pet to their family to step in and help by giving a rescue pet a second chance instead of buying from breeders.

“Our rehoming centres have reached crisis point and are full-to-bursting, creating a bottle-neck where we’re having to care for rescued animals at emergency boarding kennels and catteries.

“Last year, across England and Wales, the RSPCA took in over 40,000 dogs, cats and other animals, but only around seven out of 10 of those - 28,208 - were rehomed. This increasing discrepancy between animal intake and rehoming numbers is a worrying trend, and means so many animals are still waiting for a home”.

Karen added:

“We are also still seeing the effect of the pandemic on dogs and an increase in those coming into care with complex behaviour, which is contributing to the pressure for spaces at rehoming centres. This is compounded by the cost of living crisis with fees associated with their pet care beyond the means of some people at the moment.

“The cost of living seems to be a driving factor across the board. Our recent Animal Kindness Index found that 76% of pet-owners in the North West felt that the cost of looking after their pet had become slightly or much more expensive, with owners finding the costs of pet food and vet bills higher. 

“But our amazing teams are doing all they can. Our 135 independently run branches continue to rehome at a phenomenal pace and we are extremely proud of the work that they do.They play a vital role in local communities across England and Wales and whilst they feel the pressure of taking in more animals they have done an incredible job finding so many loving new homes.”

The RSPCA hopes its month-long Adoptober rehoming campaign will increase adoption rates across England and Wales. The drive celebrates the benefits of rescue pets, highlights the many animals that are waiting to find their perfect ‘forever’ match and dispels myths about rescue pet rehoming.

Karen added:

“There’s nothing more heartwarming than a successful adoption, and the wonderful staff at our branches and centres celebrate every time an animal finds their forever home. 

“So if you’re looking for a pet - whether it’s a cat or dog, a donkey or a bearded dragon - please visit our user-friendly ‘Find A Pet’ webpage and ‘adopt don’t shop’ this Adoptober.”

Pictured - Betty the pug.