Credit Crunch???

[Reptilerescueden]

If your a rescue is the credit crunch affecting you?

This past few weeks we are getting more and more people who are either downsizing and either can't take their reps or they can't afford them. I didn't actually think about the effect it would have but wow!!!! Has anyone else experienced this?

[chondro13]

ive noticed a few threads of creatures for sale because of costs lately - especially bigger beasties like iggys.

its such a shame. people shouldnt get these pets if they cannot look after them for their entire life spans. these animals can live over two decades depending on what you have! 'getting rid' just because your electricity bill has gone up? can nobody go without beer for one week a month to afford their pets?

really saddens me your doing a good job taking so many in hun

[Reptilerescueden]

Thanks, but peoples circumstances do change for reasons beyond their control sometimes. I remember the recession in the early nineties and that was bad enough.... just hope things pick up soon as many keepers are left heart broken for being forced to give up their beloved pets.

[Papscrunt]

I know my pal lost his job & had to think very had about giving up some of his reps as the money was clearly not there but luckily his brother saw how sad he was already without this aswell & he took them to his while he got sorted out Was only a few weeks as he was lucky to get a new job quickly but if he hadn't had any1 to help he may have had to give them up for good
Its sad when people get in this situation
Though today in the wheelchair till at asda the couple in front of me didn't seem to be affected by the credit crunch when their food bill was 109 quid I heard her say oh thats cheap this week!!!!!!
Eh i panic if i'm more than 45 quid duno what bloody benefits they were on lol

[Heim]

Originally Posted by chondro13

ive noticed a few threads of creatures for sale because of costs lately - especially bigger beasties like iggys.

its such a shame. people shouldnt get these pets if they cannot look after them for their entire life spans. these animals can live over two decades depending on what you have! 'getting rid' just because your electricity bill has gone up? can nobody go without beer for one week a month to afford their pets?

really saddens me your doing a good job taking so many in hun

Not an attack on you, but that is quite a harsh statement during times like this.

The world economy is in chaos at the moment, and I very much doubt the vast majority of 'average' people truely understand the world economics. This is not something you can predict and avoid, hence why we are in this mess and why we have to grit our teeth and work through it. Im sure we have all felt the pinch to some point thanks to this crisis, and if you havent yet, theres still a fair while left before we get through this. You also must understand that not every business will be 'required' during times like this, as people will not be forking out on luxuries if they can not afford the basics. This then bankrupts business, increases unemployment, and theres only so much work to go round.

If you think now is bad, Christmas is round the corner. I can see goverments are going to rush to try add some stability before then, but the truth is I personally think were gonna see ALOT more reps up for rehoming after this christmas. People are too used to spending large amounts at christmas, especially on kids. People already over extended themselves when the market was good, just to have a 'good christmas'. After this year people are going to be screaming at the goverment to lower utility bills, as they arent going to change spending habits overnight. The goverments hands are tied, people stop paying mortgages to cope, mortgage companies go bankrupt/repossess homes. Homeless numbers go up etc etc.

Ive kinda gone off topic here, and Im very much hoping Im completely wrong on the second paragraph lol. Basically its hard times atm, and the timing couldnt of been worse. Dont be too quick to judge good honest, hard working people, who are simply down on their luck.

[sparkle]

yes the credit crunch affectes everyone in every area.. some people dont even realise...

i truly believe that if you cant afford your animals re-homing is the right option

if food and vet bills are crippling a household then rehoming can be an option that unfortunately is required.

[wohic]

There are mmore animals being handed over to out local pet shop than is the norm for this time of year, and I have a few here that have been here as non feeders that the owners now seem to not want back ,
BUT i do have to say I would far rather see animals turned in to rescue centers than left to starve or left cold due to people having to cut back on living costs.... these people are struggling and acting responsibly by giving their pets up to people that have the facilitys to care for them.

[mEOw]

credit crunch is hitting us pretty bad at the moment, but we wouldnt get rid of our animals because of it, we'd be on a rice diet before that happened :p

[Heim]

The positive side (hopefully) of not attacking people who are just after help, is that they will hand over the reptiles to people like Reptilerescueden long before the animals get unhealthy or show signs of mistreatment. This then (again hopefully), should make it alot easier to rehome the reptiles to people (such as the forum readers here) who are able to support a few extra reps (as even rescuers still have bills to pay).

After all, whos gonna start turning down perfectly healthy citrus beardies or mack snow leos for free? lol.

[Athravan]

I am seeing more animals sold on or offered to us as a pet shop, but touch wood, so far have not had an increase in animals dumped or just handed over out of desperation. People seem to be selling rather than giving which I suppose is what you'd expect if they are selling because money is tight it is only reasonable that they would hope to get a bit of money back from selling their reptiles and equipment.

I personally think that the market price may go down on animals as more people sell up, but I don't think the amount of animals dumped will be that high (I hope). People will be loathe to give something to a rescue if they can get £20 selling it, if money is that tight.

Downside is I cannot offer the prices I used to offer when buying reptiles in - I have had a few angry customers who may have spent £300 on their reptiles tank and reptiles a few years ago - but are insulted by my offer when they bring them to me. Second hand equipment and older animals the value is going to go down, and I think some people are going to have a shock at how little their things are worth in comparison to the prices they paid (especially if they bought everything new from a shop). Shops and privates alike are not going to be able to afford to spend out that much on 2nd hand equipment or unwanted reptiles.