A Dutch Shepherd named Mia has spent a record-breaking 700 days in the care of the RSPCA and has been dubbed ‘Britain’s most unwanted pet’. Despite being described as loving and affectionate, Mia has struggled to find a forever home, bringing attention to the growing rehoming crisis in England and Wales. Mia celebrated her fifth birthday in the care of RSPCA’s Southridge Animal Centre in Hertfordshire, one of 118 animals waiting for over 100 days to be adopted.
The RSPCA’s annual Adoptober rehoming campaign aims to find Mia and other long-term residents loving homes. Data shows that the average wait time for adoption has increased significantly over the past five years, leading to full rehoming centres and animals being housed in emergency boarding facilities. The charity is appealing to the public to consider adopting animals who have been waiting for the longest time.
Mia requires an experienced owner who can provide her with the care and attention she needs to transition into a home environment successfully. The RSPCA is urging potential adopters to step forward and offer these animals a chance at a new beginning. The charity prioritises pets rescued from cruelty and neglect, requiring specialised care, which contributes to the bottleneck in finding new homes for all animals in need.
Staff at the Southridge Animal Centre, who have been caring for Mia, describe her as a special dog who deserves a loving home. Despite multiple appeals through press and social media, Mia is still waiting for her forever family. As the RSPCA’s Adoptober campaign continues, the hope is to finally secure Mia a place in a home where she can thrive.