Preye Maxwell looks distressed as he leaves his beloved dog Hanks at an animal shelter in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub. Fighting back tears, he says: "I can't afford to take care of him. I can't afford to feed him the way he should be fed." His two-year old American Eskimo barks as his owner turns his back and walks out of the St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation in the Lagos suburb of Ajah. Dr Mark Afua, a vet and chairman of the rescue centre, takes Hanks and puts him in a big metal cage - one of many in the single-storey building designed for dogs, cats, snakes and other animals. Hanks wheels around in circles in his cage - and Dr Afua tries to calm the distressed fluffy-haired dog. Mr Maxwell, an online media strategist, was recently made redundant. His job-hunting means he is never at home and so feels unable to look after Hanks. "I'm trying to get whatever I have to do to survive. I don't even have the time now [to look after Hanks] because I'm always out looking for jobs," he told the BBC. The 33-year-old's decision was difficult to make, but it is one that many pet owners are taking in the face of the rising cost of living in Nigeria. Africa's most-populous nation has been hit by high inflation since President Bola Tinubu came to power two years ago and removed a long-standing fuel subsidy. The inflation rate surged from 22% in May 2023 to 35% in December 2024, a 28-year high, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS.) Inflation has since fallen back to 24% but this means that prices are still continuing to rise, just not as quickly as before. The economic crunch has meant that some companies have had to downsize to keep afloat in the face of rising operating costs, pushing young people like Mr Maxwell into an already saturated labour market. Animal rights activists and animal shelters say that they are seeing an unprecedented numbers of abandoned animals as the cost of looking after pets spirals out of control. Prices for pet food and veterinary care have jumped by more 100% as some things, especially medication, are imported - and the local currency has plummeted against the dollar. "About 10 years ago when we started this project, we really didn't have people giving up their dogs because they were unable to feed the dogs," Dr Afua told the BBC. "Right now, we have 10, 12 animals being dropped in a month." Some, like Mr Maxwell, hand their pets over to a shelter for adoption but others simply abandon their animals. Animal cruelty campaigner Jackie Idimogu, who is president of My Dog and I - a dog-lovers' community in Lagos who often helps to rehome pets, says she has noticed the change. "Now they don't even have that patience [to find new owners]. They just tie the dog out to a post on the road or they just unleash it on the road," she told the BBC. The 32-year-old says more that 50% of her income as a furniture maker and interior designer now goes on looking after her four dogs. "I'm spending roughly 250,000 naira ($158; £117) every month on pets," she says, adding that this includes someone to walk the dogs and look after them when she was not around. But Ms Idimogu says she cannot bear to give them up. "As a single lady, I have no kids of my own yet. My dogs are my babies. I don't see any difference between myself as a dog mum and a human mum. I don't think I have it in me to give up any of my babies for any reason whatsoever." Instead, she has chosen to adapt her lifestyle - fewer luxuries for herself like jewellery, expensive hair styles and spa visits and fewer treats for her pets like chicken, yoghurt treats and car rides. "I used to be flashy, but now I had to tone down because of my dogs." The same goes for Amartya Odanokende, who goes by the name "Jason the Cat Guy" on social media, where he likes to impart his love of felines to his fellow Nigerians who often regard cats with suspicion because of their association with witchcraft. He spends approximately $160 a month on food for five big cats and some kittens, plus another $7 on 10kg of cat litter. Since he got his Prussian cats in 2020 he says what he spends has gone up 100%. Such "skyrocketing maintenance cost" is a concern and he worries about getting into debt. Lagos sales executive Iyke Elueze is also struggling to look after her 10 dogs. "There's a particular brand of food I used to use. It was just about 30,000 naira then. That same brand of dog food is 165,000 naira," he told the BBC. He credits his first dog Hennessey with saving his life at a time he was struggling with depression - nonetheless he would like to get rid of some of his animals as he now needs to prioritise his toddlers. But the 36-year-old fears that his dogs could end up being eaten - as they are considered a delicacy in some parts of southern Nigeria. Celebrity chef and Guinness record breaker Hilda Bacionce came under fire on social media after she admitted making a dog-meat themed menu. "I am very careful with who adopts my dogs. I don't want my dogs ending up in any other person's pots," said the father-of-two. Mistura Ibrahim, a young tattoo artist in Lagos who has made it her mission to help cats after saving two who were about to be stoned, is depressed about the situation and is finding it hard to find new homes for others she continues to rescue. "I get some calls from people that I've given cats to in the past and they say that they really cannot afford to keep the cats." She no longer feeds her cats tinned meals, opting to give them food from her own plate. Her advice is to take pet welfare seriously: "It's just like having a child. If you can't afford to have a child, then don't bring a child to the world." For Dr Afua, who uses the profit from his veterinary practice to fund his shelter, it is getting harder to house the unwanted animals. "We try to help the animals get homes quickly but I'm careful [about] the homes they go to so they don't come back. And some animals will never find homes because of previous abuse." With St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation caring for more than 60 dogs at the moment - around twice its capacity - would he ever turn away an animal? "I don't have the heart to. As I speak I have dogs and cats everywhere. My office and home is full - and I still make room for the next." Go toBBCAfrica.comfor more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter@BBCAfrica, on Facebook atBBC Africaor on Instagram atbbcafrica
Heartbreak as cash-strapped Nigerians abandon their pets
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Economic Hardship Leads to Rising Pet Abandonment in Nigeria"
Bbc News
7.2
TruthLens AI Summary
In Lagos, Nigeria, the economic downturn has led to a heartbreaking trend of pet abandonment, as many owners find themselves unable to afford proper care for their animals. Preye Maxwell, a former online media strategist, recently made the difficult decision to leave his two-year-old dog, Hanks, at the St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation. Maxwell, who has been made redundant and is struggling to find a new job, expressed his distress over not being able to provide adequate food and care for Hanks. This situation is not isolated; numerous pet owners are facing similar dilemmas as Nigeria grapples with soaring inflation rates, which have surged to 24% following the removal of a long-standing fuel subsidy. The rising costs of pet food and veterinary care, which have reportedly increased by over 100%, are pushing many owners to abandon their pets or surrender them to shelters, highlighting the severe impact of the economic crisis on animal welfare.
Animal rights activists and shelter operators are witnessing an unprecedented influx of abandoned pets, with some shelters reporting as many as 10 to 12 animals being dropped off each month. Dr. Mark Afua, chairman of the St Mark's Animal Rescue Foundation, emphasized the drastic change in pet abandonment trends over the past decade. Many owners, like Jackie Idimogu and Iyke Elueze, are struggling to manage their expenses while trying to care for their pets, often resorting to drastic lifestyle changes to maintain their responsibilities. Idimogu has adapted her spending, cutting back on personal luxuries to support her four dogs, while Elueze fears for the fate of his dogs as he contemplates rehoming them. The situation underscores the broader implications of economic hardship on pet ownership, as individuals grapple with the moral and emotional challenges of caring for animals in a time of financial strain, and shelters face overwhelming capacities while striving to find homes for the increasing number of abandoned pets.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on a distressing trend among pet owners in Nigeria who are forced to abandon their beloved animals due to financial difficulties exacerbated by rising inflation. It highlights the emotional struggles of individuals like Preye Maxwell, who, despite his love for his dog, Hanks, can no longer afford to care for him. The piece serves not only to inform but also to evoke empathy and concern regarding the welfare of pets amidst economic hardship.
Economic Context and Emotional Impact
The narrative is set against the backdrop of Nigeria's challenging economic landscape, particularly after the removal of a fuel subsidy that has led to soaring inflation rates. This context is essential for understanding the difficult choices many are forced to make, as illustrated by Maxwell's story. The emotional weight of abandoning a pet is palpable, and such personal accounts serve to humanize the broader economic crisis, fostering a connection between the readers and the individuals affected.
Public Sentiment and Advocacy
The article aims to raise awareness about the increasing number of abandoned pets, positioning animal rights activists and shelters as crucial players in addressing this emerging crisis. By doing so, it seeks to mobilize public sentiment and encourage support for animal welfare initiatives. This aspect of the article resonates particularly with animal lovers and advocates for responsible pet ownership, as it highlights the moral implications of pet abandonment.
Potential Hidden Agendas
While the article primarily focuses on the emotional and economic aspects of pet abandonment, it could also be interpreted as a call to action for policymakers to address the root causes of rising living costs. The emphasis on the plight of pets might distract from other pressing social issues, such as unemployment or healthcare, which are also deeply intertwined with the economic situation. However, the article does not overtly conceal these issues; instead, it highlights the immediate impact of economic difficulties on personal lives.
Manipulative Elements
The article does exhibit some manipulative elements, primarily through its emotional appeal. By sharing Maxwell's poignant story and the visual of a distressed dog, it seeks to elicit a strong emotional response from readers. This tactic may be seen as a means to garner support for animal welfare, but it could also lead to a narrow focus on pet abandonment at the expense of broader socio-economic discussions.
Comparative Analysis with Other News
When compared to other reports on economic hardship in Nigeria, this article stands out by specifically framing the issue through the lens of animal welfare. This unique angle may resonate with certain communities, particularly those involved in animal rights or pet ownership, while other articles may focus more on human suffering or economic statistics.
Societal and Economic Implications
The implications of this report could extend beyond individual pet owners. As the narrative highlights a growing trend of abandoning pets, it may lead to increased public discourse on economic policies and animal welfare regulations. Additionally, this could prompt local governments or NGOs to take action, influencing both economic and social policies.
Target Audience and Community Support
The article is likely to attract support from animal rights advocates, pet owners, and individuals concerned about social issues. It aims to connect with a community that values animal welfare and is sympathetic to the emotional distress of pet abandonment.
Market and Global Repercussions
Although the article primarily addresses local issues, it may have implications for businesses related to pet care, such as food producers and veterinary services. Negative trends in pet ownership can impact these sectors, potentially leading to a decline in relevant stocks or market interest.
Geopolitical Context
While the article does not directly address broader geopolitical issues, it does reflect the internal challenges facing Nigeria, which could, in turn, affect its international relations and economic partnerships. The focus on economic hardship may resonate in discussions about Nigeria's role on the global stage.
Use of AI in Article Crafting
There is a possibility that AI tools were employed to assist in writing or structuring the article. Language models could have been used to enhance emotional resonance or to organize data effectively. Nonetheless, the human element of storytelling, particularly in sharing personal experiences, suggests a significant human input in the narrative.
In conclusion, the article provides a compelling and emotionally charged examination of the intersection between economic hardship and animal welfare in Nigeria. While it effectively raises awareness about a pressing social issue, its emotional manipulation and focus on a singular aspect of a broader economic crisis warrant a critical perspective on its overall reliability and intent.