Heartbreaking Choices: Nigerians Forced to Give Up Their Pets Amid Economic Strain
Uche Akolisa & Kelechi Anozia
BBC News, Lagos
Kelechi Anozia / BBC
Preye Maxwell stands at the entrance of an animal shelter in Lagos, visibly upset as he prepares to leave his beloved dog Hanks behind.
“I can’t afford to take care of him anymore,” he confesses, struggling to hold back tears. “I can’t provide him with the proper food he deserves.”
The two-year-old American Eskimo barks anxiously as Preye turns away from St.Impress’s Animal Rescue Foundation located in Ajah.
Dr.Impress Afua, the veterinarian and founder of the rescue center, gently places Hanks into one of many spacious cages designed for various animals including cats and snakes.
The distressed pup circles his cage while Dr. Afua attempts to calm him down.
A recent job loss has left Mr.Maxwell overwhelmed; his relentless search for employment means he can no longer dedicate time or resources to care for Hanks properly.
“I’m focused on survival right now,” he explains to BBC News,”and I simply don’t have time for Hanks because I’m constantly looking for work.”
Kelechi Anozia / BBC
The Rising Cost of Living Forces Tough Decisions
This heart-wrenching decision reflects a growing trend among pet owners across Nigeria as they grapple with soaring living costs exacerbated by economic instability.
Nigeria has been facing rampant inflation since President Bola Tinubu took office two years ago and removed longstanding fuel subsidies that had previously cushioned consumers’ expenses.
The inflation rate skyrocketed from 22% in May 2023 to an astonishing 35% by December 2024—marking its highest level in nearly three decades according to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Although inflation has slightly decreased back down to around 24%, prices continue their upward trajectory albeit at a slower pace than before.
This economic downturn has forced many businesses into downsizing just to stay afloat amidst rising operational costs—resulting in individuals like Mr. Maxwell being thrust into an already competitive job market without any safety net.
An alarming number of abandoned pets are being reported at shelters due largely to these financial pressures; animal rights advocates highlight that caring for pets is becoming increasingly unaffordable as prices soar uncontrollably—pet food and veterinary services have seen price hikes exceeding over 100%. This surge is particularly concerning given that many essential items such as medications are imported while local currency values plummet against foreign currencies like the dollar.
“When we started this initiative about ten years ago, we rarely encountered cases where people surrendered their dogs due solely as they couldn’t afford them,” Dr.Afuasays during an interview with BBC News.
“Now we’re receiving anywhere between ten and twelve animals dropped off every month.”
A Shift Towards Abandonment Rather than adoption
< p >Some individuals like Mr.Maxwell opt for surrendering their pets so they can be adopted but others resort instead simply abandoning them altogether.
< P >Jackie Idimogu—a passionate advocate against animal cruelty who leads My Dog And I—a community dedicated towards rehoming pets—has observed this troubling shift firsthand.
< P >“People don’t even bother trying [to find new homes]. They just tie up their dogs outside or let them loose on streets,” she tells BBC News.
< P >The thirty-two-year-old furniture maker reveals that more than half her income now goes toward caring for her four dogs.
< P >“I spend around ₦250,000 ($158; £117) monthly on my pets,” she shares adding it includes hiring someone else when she’s unavailable.< P >Despite these challenges Ms.Idimogu refuses give up her furry companions stating “As someone without children yet my dogs feel like family—I see no difference between being a dog mom versus any human mother.”
< P >To cope financially she’s made significant lifestyle changes cutting back on luxuries such as jewelry or expensive hair treatments while also limiting treats previously enjoyed by her pups like chicken snacks or car rides.
< p >“I used be extravagant but now I’ve had scale back significantly all thanks my fur babies.”
< figure >< div class = "image - block "> < img src = " https : // static . files . bbci . co . uk / bbcdotcom / web / 20250529 -103858 -de9d27ef1 -web -2 .22 .3 -1 / grey - placeholder . png "> < img src = " https : // ichef . bbci . co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/a8c6/live/e8c6c32038e0--11eb-b8cf-e7a4bcdaaaab.jpg.webp " loading =" lazy " alt =" Kelechi Anozia/BBC Iyke Elueze embraces one brown dog while sitting casually looking at camera "/ >< span>Kelechi Anozia/BBC
< p data - component = ' caption - block ' >< figcaption>Iyke Elueze fears if forced give up his beloved pooches they’d end up becoming meat—a delicacy found certain regions Nigeria.<
/>
Cats Also Face Challenges Amidst Economic Hardships
< p >
Amartya Odanokende known online as “Jason The Cat Man” shares similar struggles regarding maintaining five large cats alongside several kittens despite societal stigma surrounding felines often linked witchcraft beliefs within Nigerian culture .He spends approximately $160 monthly feeding them plus another $7 purchasing cat litter which represents double what it cost when first acquired Prussian breeds back year ago.
Such escalating maintenance fees pose serious concerns leading potential debt accumulation if trends continue unchecked .
Meanwhile sales executive Iyke Elueze grapples managing care responsibilities over ten canine companions noting drastic increases associated feeding costs recently experienced firsthand:
“A specific brand I used buy was ₦30k before—it’s now ₦165k!”
He credits first pup named Hennessey saving life during depressive episode yet feels compelled prioritize children needs above all else despite worries about fate awaiting furry friends should relinquished ownership given cultural perceptions surrounding consumption practices prevalent southern Nigeria where some consider eating dog meat delicacy .
Celebrity chef Hilda Baci faced backlash after revealing menu featuring canine-themed dishes highlighting sensitivity surrounding topic further complicating matters involved finding suitable adopters willing provide loving homes rather than choice fates awaiting abandoned animals .
“I’m extremely cautious about who adopts my pups—I wouldn’t want them ending up anyone’s dinner plate,” says father-of-two expressing deep concern over potential outcomes should circumstances force challenging decisions upon him again .
< figure >< div class = ' image – block '>
<
img
src =
' https :
// static.files.bbci.co.uk/bbcdotcom/web/
20250529-
103858-
de9d27ef1-
web-
2
.
22
.
31/
grey -
placeholder.png '
/>
<
img
src =
' https :
// ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/
480/cpsprodpb/
e6bb/live/
ddddc32038e0--11eb-b8cf-e7a4bcdaaaab.jpg.webp '
loading=
' lazy '
alt=
' Kelechi Anozia/BBC Mistura Ibrahim sits comfortably holding tabby cat '/ >
<
span>Kelechi Anozia/BBC
/
span >
<
p
data -
component =
‘ caption -
block ’ >
<
figcaption>Mistura Ibrahim dedicated herself rescuing felines after saving two from imminent harm due negative associations attached feline species within society today.<
/>
/
figcaption >
<
div
class=‘ text -
block ’ >
<
h5>Mistura Ibrahim: A Voice For Rescued Cats Facing Uncertain Futures
/
h5 >
Mistura Ibrahim , young tattoo artist based Lagos committed herself aiding rescued felines after intervening save two who were threatened stoning incidents stemming negative stereotypes associated breed within Nigerian culture .
She expresses frustration difficulty finding permanent placements others continue rescue efforts stating:
“Many previous adopters reach out saying they can no longer afford keep cats.”
To mitigate expenses ,she opts feed own meals instead relying commercial options available market today emphasizing importance responsible pet ownership likening it parenting experience:
“It’s akin raising child—you shouldn’t bring one world unless you’re prepared handle responsibility involved.”
For Dr.afuawho utilizes profits generated through veterinary practice sustain operations shelter finds accommodating influx unwanted animals increasingly challenging especially considering limited resources available support initiatives aimed improving welfare conditions overall community level.As st.Impress Animal rescue Foundation currently cares more sixty canines twice capacity facility would ever consider turning away needy creature?
“My heart won’t allow me do so! My home office overflowing with rescues needing love attention still room next ones arrive.”
<>
<>
<>