Homeless dogs sell their businesses to fund their expenses

In the studio of the Animal Rescue Center (ARC) in Bristol, western England, dogs Rosie and Alba work hard on their canvases. No brush needed, just effective muzzle and feet. And drawing lovers should not be too strict about the classical rules of composition.

This is a new type of abstract art, which may seem childish or chaotic, but its mission is much more important than the opinions of critics.

The number of abandoned pets has risen sharply in the UK, partly due to high inflation and rising interest rates.

“People simply cannot afford insurance or veterinary care,” Bee Lawson, an animal behavior specialist at the ARC, told AFP. The UK humane society, the RSPCA, says it is “deeply concerned” about rising rates of animal abandonment as winter approaches.

Between the start of the year and the end of October, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) received 17,838 reports of abandoned animals in England and Wales. If the trend continues, the figure could reach 21,500 in 2023, compared to around 16,000 in 2020. “Many shelters are overcrowded, so we are facing an unprecedented winter crisis,” the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children said. Dermot Murphy.

Up to $403

So the ARC, which is a member of the RSPCA but receives private funding, had to be better able to raise money. The center’s staff came up with the idea of ​​scheduling an online “Stray Dog Gala” in early December, during which animal artwork would be auctioned off.

Most cost around £50 (US$63), but prices rise to £320 (US$403) for “Major”, a white husky. According to Bee Lawson, drawing is an effective therapeutic treatment for abandoned dogs, who often arrive at the center traumatized after being abandoned by their owners and forced to live alone and without food on the street.