New figures from the animal welfare charity show that, up to the end of October, its dedicated emergency line had received 43,360 reports of neglect.
In Isle of Wight alone, the charity received 116 reports about neglected animals in the first 10 months of this year.
Join the Christmas Rescue campaign
The distressing new statistics – which include statistics for each county – have been released as part of the charity’s Join the Christmas Rescue campaign – aiming to support its frontline staff ahead of what could be a “bleak” winter season for pets and other animals.
In the first ten months of the year, the line had been open for 3,474 hours – meaning it averages 12.5 calls about neglect every single hour, or one report every 288 seconds.
Rising numbers
The number of reports the charity had about neglect in October (4,387) – was also higher than the number in that month of 2022 (3,818), 2021 (4,186) and 2020 (3,931) – with incidents shooting up up an eye-watering 14.9 per cent compared to last year.
The data follows previous statistics suggesting calls about abandoned animals are at a three-year high, with the charity expecting to receive more than 21,400 calls about unwanted and dumped animals this year too.
A staggering numbers of incidents
The new figures saw staggering numbers of incidents in each local area.
So far this year, Greater London, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, Lancashire and Kent have seen the most neglect reports – but RSPCA frontline rescuers responding to neglect reports in all parts of England and Wales.
Isle of Wight rescue
Pne of the many animals rescued by the RSPCA currently looking for a home on the Isle of Wight is Pixie the cat.
Pixie is the most loving little cat who just wants companionship and her own family to cuddle up with. She loves sitting in your lap and getting all the attention. Pixie has had a bit of a tough time.
Living a much happier and bright life
When she arrived in RSPCA care she was in need of some medical treatment which included amputating her ears due to having cancerous tips, Despite all of this Pixie has been loving throughout and is living a much happier and bright life.
Pixie enjoys her cat naps and laying in her cosy beds, but also has a playful side. She is looking for a home via the team at RSPCA Isle of Wight Branch and there is more information on her rehoming profile.
If Pixie isn’t the right match for you, there are more rescue animals who have been saved from cruelty and neglect in search of a home on the RSPCA Find-a-pet page.
Murphy: Our frontline officers work tirelessly to bring neglected animals to safety
Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said,
“Thousands of animals’ lives are hanging in the balance this Christmas with animal neglect reports a real cause for concern – including from the Isle of Wight.
“Across England and Wales, our emergency line is getting a call about a neglected animal every 288 seconds. Combine those levels of neglect with rising abandonments, the cost of living crisis, and the cold weather this winter, and we fear this could be a very bleak time for animals.
“But there is hope. Our frontline officers work tirelessly to bring neglected animals to safety – and it’s the kind-hearted public who power these rescue efforts.
“This winter, our rescue teams are set to be very busy trying to help and reach so many neglected animals – which is why we need animal lovers to join the Christmas rescue now more than ever, and donate to help us be there for neglected animals in their time of need.”
