RSPCA raises concerns over rising abandonments this winter

The RSPCA has announced welfare concerns as the charity “braces” for a surge of abandoned and neglected animals this winter as pet ownership soared during lockdown.

Last December, the RSPCA said it still received one call every minute, one report of an abandoned animal every hour, and took 70 rescue animals into RSPCA care every day.

During the pandemic, pet ownership surged with estimates of more than 3.2 million people taking on new pets.

Abandonments have risen by around 20% this year compared to 2020 figures during recent months and the RSPCA said it “fears the increased stress and pressures” will see a rise in “abandonment, neglect and even abuse of animals.”

Dermot Murphy, who heads the RSPCA frontline rescue teams, said: “Our frontline rescue teams are braced for the worst this Christmas. We usually see two types of pet abandonment at Christmas and both are heartbreaking.

“Every year we get reports of people leaving their pets while they visit family and friends. This year is a four day holiday and many people will want to make-up for not being able to see family and friends so some animals will be left for days on their own to fend for themselves. It’s not acceptable to simply leave extra food and water for most pets if you are going away.”