The RSPCA has seen an almost 25% 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 4 minutes.
In Gloucestershire 624 incidents of animal neglect were reported from January to September this year – which is a 13% increase from the same period the previous year.
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.
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.
In March this year the RSPCA appealed for information after the body of a dead dog was found in a plastic tub in a stream in Gloucestershire.
The canine, who is thought to have been a male Dutch Shepherd dog, had suffered severe head and leg wounds after being discovered in Bredon, near Tewkesbury by a member of the public who called the animal charity.
Despite making local enquiries, no-one came forward with information as to how the dog, who wasn’t microchipped, came to be at the location.
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.
“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.”
To help the RSPCA rescue more animals visit rspca.org.uk/winterappeal
