A DOG named Pierre from Ashley Heath remains unadopted after more than 100 days at the RSPCA.

Pierre is one of 118 animals across RSPCA shelters that has now been waiting 127 days for a forever home.

The animal welfare charity is pushing for an annual rehoming drive as part of Adoptober October.

The average waiting time for dogs, cats and rabbits to be adopted across England and Wales has risen by almost a third over the past five years.

It has increased from 31.7 days in 2019 to 41.4 days in 2023, according to data from the RSPCA.

The RSCA have said the longer wait has exacerbated the rehoming crisis which prevents other pets from being rescued.

The shelters often prioritise animals being rescued from cruelty and neglect, which makes them ‘harder to rehome’ due to their vulnerability.

Karen Colman, who leads the RSPCA team finding places for rescued animals, said the charity is appealing to potential adopters to consider rehoming pets with a long waiting time.

“We have so many absolutely wonderful dogs, cats and rabbits who through absolutely no fault of their own are sitting at rescue centres waiting patiently for the next chapter of their lives to begin.

“That chapter cannot start without the public coming forward to offer them homes.”

She added: “We are especially keen for those people with higher levels of pet-owning experience and patience to step forward and consider adopting one of our more ‘hard to rehome’ animals, because the situation has reached a crisis point.

“Spaces at our rehoming centres are like gold dust. The longer rescue animals remain unadopted, the longer others have to wait for a space at our rehoming centres.”

Karen said that those who decide to adopt a long-stay animal will be fully supported by the RSPCA team who can offer help and advice.

The RSPCA has a clear policy that no healthy animal that can be rehomed will be put to sleep, and only those on the advice of a vet to prevent physical or mental suffering.

Potential adopter can see animals currently in care on the RSPCA’s ‘Find A Pet’ webpage.

Donations can also be given online or on 0300 123 8181.