In Lagos, the emotional toll of economic hardship is reflected in the growing number of pet owners forced to relinquish their beloved animals. Preye Maxwell, recently laid off, struggles to care for his American Eskimo dog, Hanks. With job hunting taking up most of his time, he couldn’t provide the necessary attention or resources for his canine companion. “I can’t afford to feed him the way he should be fed,” he tearfully shared as he left Hanks at the St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation.
Dr. Mark Afua, the shelter’s veterinarian, notes a concerning trend, stating that they receive around 10 to 12 pets each month, a significant increase compared to previous years. These drastic changes are driven by Nigeria’s soaring inflation, which has risen from 22% in May 2023 to a staggering 35% by December, following the removal of a fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu. Although inflation has since decreased to 24%, animal rights organizations are witnessing an unprecedented influx of abandoned animals, as escalating pet care costs become unmanageable for many households.
The price for pet food and veterinary services has skyrocketed, often rising by over 100% due to reliance on imported goods and a depreciating local currency. Many pet owners who once happily cared for their dogs are opting for surrender rather than face the anguish of neglect. Activists like Jackie Idimogu, president of My Dog and I, lament the loss of patience among owners who no longer try to find loving homes for their pets. Instead, some tie them up by the roadside or abandon them outright.
Amid this crisis, individual stories of sacrifice and determination emerge. Idimogu, despite the financial strain of managing her four dogs, refuses to give them up, instead cutting back on luxuries to support them. Meanwhile, Iyke Elueze, who owns ten dogs, faces dilemmas concerning finances and parenting, fearing his pets could meet dire fates if surrendered. His sentiments are echoed by Mistura Ibrahim, a tattoo artist actively rescuing cats, who is also feeling the pressure of rising costs while striving to find new homes for the animals in her care.
Dr. Afua, whose shelter now houses over 60 dogs, almost double its intended capacity, insists he cannot turn away any animal. “As I speak, I have dogs and cats everywhere,” he explains, emphasizing the need for compassion in a time of economic difficulty.
With the pet care crisis worsening in Nigeria, the responsibility lies with both animal shelters and the community to address the ongoing challenge. As pet owners continue to struggle, organizations like St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation aim to provide support, but the demand is vast, and the fight for pet welfare remains ongoing.
