As the RSPCA's annual Adoptober rehoming drive continues, the charity wants to dispel the myth they only rehome cats and dogs - by showcasing to prospective owners the vast numbers of rescue farm animals in their care looking for loving new homes.

As a charity which cares for all species - they currently have over 100 farm animals looking for their forever homes, including pot-bellied pig Crumpet (pictured here), as new figures raise concerns that more animals are being relinquished to charities at a time when rehoming has slowed.

The animal welfare charity - which operates 14 national rehoming centres across England and Wales, while supporting a network of branches with an additional 45 animal shelters - has released new figures that show rehoming has dropped 8% while animal intake is up 8.4% year-on-year. 

The RSPCA's annual Adoptober rehoming drive will run throughout this month, promoting adoption and highlighting the many rescue animals in the charity's care waiting to find their perfect match.

The charity fears that the cost of living crisis means more farm animals are coming into its care while less people are considering taking on a new pet. 

Releasing new figures, the RSPCA has highlighted a potential animal rescue crisis as more animals come into care, stay in rescue centres for longer, with less people coming forward to adopt. 

In 2021, the RSPCA's network of centres and branches rehomed 26,945 animals; an 8% drop compared to the previous year when 29,358 animals were rehomed, and a huge 31% drop from 2019 (39,178) despite the Covid pandemic affecting the way in which charities across the nation could rehome. 

The charity has also seen a rise in the number of farm animals coming into its care in recent months and with only limited facilities to care for farm animals, the RSPCA is urging those who can provide a home for a pig, chicken or cockerel to consider adopting.

There are currently 16 farm animals waiting to find their forever homes in RSPCA care and a further 102 in partner boarding facilities patiently waiting for their homes too.

Dr Marc Cooper, head of farm animals at the RSPCA, said: "We know that some people assume we just rehome cats and dogs but that is far from the case - we actually have lots of farm animals that are rescued by our inspectors that end up coming into the care of our fantastic animal centres with facilities to care for them, and are now looking for homes.

"Farm animals often have different needs to animals such as dogs, cats or rabbits, so it's important to consider whether you have the time, resources and money they need. Farm animals should also be registered with a specialist farm vet who can give you lots of advice regarding their diet and health care. 

"If you have the right environment for these animals, and the time and money to care for them, they can make wonderful additions to your family. They are very intelligent, curious and can be very affectionate, and rehoming a farm animal can be very rewarding."

Whether you'd like some hens in your garden or have space for a huge pot-bellied pig, the charity is urging those looking to bring a farm animal into their lives to consider rehoming from the RSPCA this Adoptober.

Acorn and Sycamore are two bantam cockerels who were sadly found straying and were never reclaimed by an owner. They have sweet, docile natures and have been sharing a pen together for some time and get along well. 

A group of chickens will need a secure coop to roost overnight, and access to a safe area during the day where they can scratch about on grass, dust bathe, and exhibit their natural behaviours.

To apply to adopt, or for more information, please email RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre in Taunton, Somerset at [email protected]. When enquiring, please provide a photo and dimensions of any accommodation that is currently in place.