More animals are abandoned

The RSPCA say they're at crisis point because of a rise in the number of animals being abandoned.

The animal charity say 40,000 pets were abandoned last year, compared to just 25,000 five years ago.

It thinks families struggling with money problems are leaving their pets because they can't afford to look after them.

Charities that run rescue centres say they are getting full and not enough people are coming forward to adopt.

The cost of caring for abandoned animals is also going up. It costs £15 a day to care for a dog and £9.40 for a cat.

Because some animals are unwell when they come to rescue centres, it can take a long time to look after them and make sure they're well enough to be rehomed.

The RSPCA say they might be forced to turn away vulnerable animals in the future because of the crisis.

Match the words below to their definitions

  

abandoned / afford / crisis / charities / rescue / struggling 

1. situation that is extremely dangerous or difficult
2. have enough money to buy or do something
3. organisations that give money, food or help where it is needed
4. trying very hard to do something difficult
5. left someone or something somewhere without ever coming back for them
6. save someone from a dangerous or unpleasant situation  

True or false?

  

1. It costs more to look after a dog than a cat.

2. The number of abandoned animals is increasing.

3. No abandoned animals ever go to new homes.

4. The RSPCA will never turn away animals.

5. The RSPCA also treats sick animals.

6. All of the abandoned pets are dogs.

7. The RSPCA is having problems.

8. Animals can’t go to new homes if they are not well enough.

What's the missing word?

  

1. It thinks____________________struggling with money problems are leaving their pets.

2. The cost of_______________for abandoned animals is also going up.

3. They might be_________________to turn away vulnerable animals.

4. Not enough people are coming forward to_______________.

KEY

crisis              situation that is extremely dangerous or difficult

afford             have enough money to buy or do something

charities          organisations that give money, food or help where it is needed

struggling         trying very hard to do something difficult

abandoned      left someone or something somewhere without ever coming back for them

rescue             save someone from a dangerous or unpleasant situation  

True or false?

1. False

2. True

3. False

4. False

5. True

6. False

7. True

8. True

What's the missing word?

1. families

2. caring

3. forced

4. adopt