All Dogs Matter appeals for 'forever homes' for dogs

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A north London charity says there is a "crisis" in dog abandonment as it releases photos of those it is hoping to find a home for.

All Dogs Matter, based in Aylmer Parade in East Finchley, cites the cost of living crisis, changing circumstances, and heartless cruelty among the reasons pets end up in their kennels.

Ira Moss, who co-founded the charity with actor Peter Egan in 2009, said: "Dog rescue in this country is in crisis - we have never seen anything like it.

"Five years ago we were getting about five calls a day from people wanting to rehome their dogs. Now it’s over 30.

"Ten years ago it was Staffies, Staffie crosses, you knew what to expect. Now we are seeing every breed imaginable dumped, wandering the streets — dachshunds, French bulldogs, retrievers, spaniels — dogs that people paid thousands for during lockdown and can no longer afford to keep."

One of their dogs in need of a home is April, a three or four-year-old French bulldog who is believed to have been used for breeding.

Image of a dog sitting on a bedFlo is one of the dogs looking for a forever home through All Dogs Matter. (Image: All Dogs Matter)

A charity spokesperson said: "When April was found abandoned she had clearly been used for breeding multiple times, her skin was dry and painful, and she had one of their worst hematomas we have ever seen on her ear.

"We rushed April to the vet, so her ear could be drained.

"She is now recovering in a foster home, until she can find her perfect match forever home."

A painting of a dog in a frameA painting of Flo by Victoria Coleman went under the hammer at an All Dogs Matter charity auction (Image: All Dogs Matter)

The charity says French bulldogs are now the most common stray breed it receives and are often abandoned once they are no longer able to breed.

And charity workers have seen an increase in dachshunds coming through their doors - possibly because they require more care than many owners realise.

Another dog waiting for a home is Flo, who arrived at the charity underweight with injuries to her ears.

Although she was later adopted, changes in her new family’s circumstances led to her return.

The spokesperson said: "Through no fault of her own, Flo was returned to our kennel.

"It turned out that we had previously rehomed Flo's biological mother Molly.

"Flo is still in our kennels, awaiting her forever home."

All Dogs Matter has just held a fundraising auction to help continue their work with rescue dogs.

Artworks by its patrons Ricky Gervais and Alan Carr - who adopted his lurchers from All Dogs Matter - went under the hammer, alongside a work by street artist Bambi.

A free exhibition of artwork can be seen at 1, Hampstead Lane, Highgate until May 17.

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