The RSPCA has seen an almost 25% country-wide increase in animal neglect reports during the first nine months of this year and fears the problem is about to get worse as more pet owners face financial hardship at Christmas.
The animal welfare charity said that between January and September 2024 its emergency cruelty line recorded 48,814 incidents of neglect, up from 38,977 for the same period in 2023 – a worrying 25% year-on-year increase.
During this period the emergency line has been open 3, 276 hours, meaning it has taken an average of 15 reported incidents of neglect every single hour – or approximately one every four minutes.
On the Isle of Wight 106 incidents of animal neglect were reported from January to September this year.
Join the Christmas Rescue
The distressing new statistics – which are broken down for each county – have been released as part of the charity’s campaign Join the Christmas Rescue, which aims to support frontline staff as they continue their life-saving work during the busy festive period.
In the first nine months of 2024 the counties that have seen the most incidents of neglect reported include the London area (Outer London 2,010 and Inner London 1,240), West Yorkshire (2,207), the West Midlands (2,148), Greater Manchester (2,135) and Kent (1,471).
The neglect figures have been released after the charity announced last month that 20,999 abandonment reports were made to its emergency line in 2023, compared to 16,118 in 2020 – a rise of 30% in just three years.
The RSPCA, which this year celebrates its 200th anniversary, believes these shocking statistics are due to an increase in pet ownership during Covid 19 and the current financial hardships faced by many.
Ella and Dilly
Two of the many animals rescued from neglect include cats Ella and Dilly who were rescued from a multi-cat household in the Isle of Wight.
These beauties are six years-old and were found in poor condition – both were underweight and had suffered hair loss.
Despite what they’ve been through, both girls have remained trusting and love nothing more than being around their carers, lapping up attention at the Isle of Wight RSPCA branch.
Ella and Dilly would need a little support in gaining weight and growing their fur back. They could live with another friendly cat that matches their temperament and could live with children pending introductions. You can find out more about them on the website.
Hirst: A major concern during our busy winter period
RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said,
“The large 25% increase in the number of pet neglect calls we are taking is a major concern during our busy winter period when many people are facing more financial difficulties, and we fear this upsetting trend will continue.
“One call every four minutes is a frightening statistic. Coupled with this we have also seen a startling increase in abandonment cases up 30% in just three years.
“Sadly we expect the crisis to worsen as more people tend to struggle with increased costs around Christmas time with presents to buy and extra food shopping – along with energy bills.
“But we can make a difference, which is why we are asking the public to support our appeal, Join The Christmas Rescue, and help our rescuers,veterinary teams, branches and centre staff, who work tirelessly to give animals the urgent treatment and love that will save their lives.”
Jo added,
“To help more neglected animals we must work together to make it a happy Christmas for every kind. We’re calling on everyone who believes that no animal should be left to suffer this Christmas to donate to our appeal today.”
To help the RSPCA rescue more animals visit rspca.org.uk/winterappeal
**For those who find themselves struggling, there are many reputable animal welfare charities who can offer help and advice and we encourage anybody in a difficult situation to seek support. The RSPCA have launched a dedicated cost of living hub to signpost help out there and we also have more than 200 Pet Food Bank Partnerships across the country to support struggling pet owners.
News shared by Suzanne on behalf of RSPCA. Ed
