Nigerians abandon their pets due to cost-of-living crisis

In Lagos, Nigeria, rising living costs have led to an increase in abandoned pets, as seen in the case of Preye Maxwell, who reluctantly surrendered his dog Hanks due to financial strain after losing his job. The inflation rate, which peaked at 35% in December 2024, has drastically raised expenses for pet care, prompting many owners to abandon pets rather than seek new homes. Activists report that shelters now receive between 10 to 12 animals monthly, reflecting a growing crisis for animal welfare amidst economic hardship.