How Nigeria’s Cost-of-Living Crisis is Leading Pet Owners to Make Heartbreaking Choices

The Rising Cost of Pet Care in Nigeria: A Growing Challenge

In Lagos, many pet owners are feeling the strain. Preye Maxwell recently had to leave his dog, Hanks, at a shelter. With job losses and rising prices, he simply can’t feed him properly. "I’m always job-hunting and can’t take care of him like I used to," he said, sadness in his voice.

Dr. Mark Afua runs St Mark’s Animal Rescue Foundation, where he now receives 10 to 12 animals every month. "A decade ago, that was unheard of," he explains. "People didn’t give up their pets; now they’re forced to."

The economic situation in Nigeria is tough. Inflation surged from 22% in May 2023 to around 35% by the end of the year. While the numbers have improved a bit to about 24% recently, prices for essentials, including pet food, have jumped over 100%. This increase has pushed many owners to surrender their pets or abandon them.

Animal Rights Advocates Weigh In

Experts like Jackie Idimogu, who heads a dog-loving community in Lagos, are alarmed. "People now abandon their pets without trying to find them new homes," she noted. "It’s heartbreaking to see."

She shared that over half of her income goes toward caring for her pets, reflecting a common theme among pet owners. "I’ve had to cut back on luxuries," she admitted, emphasizing the deep bond many have with their pets.

Iyke Elueze, also a pet owner, expressed concern for his dogs, fearing they might end up as food, a reality in some parts of Nigeria. He spends an increasing amount of money on dog food, which has soared to 165,000 naira for a brand that once cost 30,000. "I can’t let them go, but I need to prioritize my family," he stated.

Shifting Attitudes Toward Pet Ownership

There’s a growing acknowledgment that taking care of a pet is akin to raising a child. Mistura Ibrahim, a tattoo artist who rescues cats, echoed this sentiment: "If you can’t afford a child, don’t bring one into the world." She finds it challenging to provide for the cats she saves and has thinned her own meals to ensure they eat well.

The use of social media is becoming a lifeline for pet owners and advocates. Individuals like Amartya Odanokende—known online as "Jason the Cat Guy"—share the costs and responsibilities of caring for animals, raising awareness about the challenges faced by pet owners amid economic stress.

The Bottom Line

The plight of pets in Nigeria reflects broader economic and societal issues. A rising number of animals are being left in shelters or abandoned. With rising costs and economic pressures, the situation is critical. As communities and animal rights groups rally for support, it’s clear that loving a pet requires not just affection, but also financial stability.

For more insights on this issue, you can read this article from BBC and stay updated on ongoing developments that affect pet ownership in Nigeria.

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