Economic Crisis Forces Nigerians to Abandon Pets Amid Rising Living Costs

As inflation soars and living costs in Nigeria continue to rise, many pet owners are finding it increasingly difficult to care for their animals, leading to a significant uptick in abandoned pets at shelters.

In Lagos, Nigeria's bustling economic center, heartbreaking stories are emerging of pet owners forced to abandon their beloved companions due to financial strains. The situation is starkly illustrated by Preye Maxwell, who reluctantly left his two-year-old American Eskimo, Hanks, at the St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation while struggling with job loss and high living costs. "I can't afford to take care of him," Maxwell said, overwhelmed with emotion.

Dr. Mark Afua, a veterinarian at the shelter, reports an unsettling trend, noting that they are receiving between 10 to 12 animals each month—a stark contrast to just a decade ago when pet surrender was rare due to financial constraints. The drastic rise in the inflation rate, which peaked at 28-year highs following the removal of a fuel subsidy, has drastically increased the costs of pet food, supplies, and veterinary care—some categories seeing a leap of over 100%. With the local currency faltering, many owners are being pushed into abandoning their pets altogether.

Animal rights activists have observed an influx of pets being left at shelters or, even more distressingly, simply tied to posts or released on the streets. Jackie Idimogu, an animal cruelty campaigner, emphasizes the increasing urgency of the situation, stating, "They just don't have the patience to find new owners now."

In contrast, for those who can continue caring for their animals, sacrifices are being made. Idimogu, for instance, has redirected a significant portion of her income toward her four dogs. “I’ve toned down on my luxuries because of my dogs,” she mentioned. This sentiment resonates with many pet owners in the area who face the difficult choice of caring for their pets or managing their own living expenses.

Iyke Elueze, who is also grappling with the financial strain of providing for his 10 dogs, reveals that the price of a specific dog food brand has skyrocketed from 30,000 naira to 165,000 naira. Like others, he fears the dire alternatives should he have to give them up—essentially, many dogs are at risk of becoming potential delicacies in parts of Nigeria.

Mistura Ibrahim is another passionate advocate for animals, finding happiness in rescuing cats, despite the ongoing challenge of funding their needs. "It's just like having a child," she says, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for pet ownership.

In a time of economic hardship, Dr. Afua continues to dedicate resources from his veterinary practice to his shelter, currently housing over 60 dogs—double its intended capacity. The escalating crisis has many deeply concerned about the future of animal welfare in Nigeria, as shelters face insurmountable pressure from both rising abandonment rates and dwindling resources. As the struggle for survival becomes ever more pronounced, the plight of pets can no longer be overlooked in the conversation about Nigeria's economic challenges.