The RSPCA has seen an almost 25 per cent increase in animal neglect reports during the first nine months of this year and fears the problem is about to get worse due to 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.
Picture credit: RSPCA
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 Leicestershire 780 incidents of animal neglect were reported from January to September this year which is a 16% increase from the same period the year before.
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 believes these shocking statistics are due to an increase in pet ownership during Covid 19 and the current financial hardships faced by many.
In another case of neglect – a tortoise was found dumped in a cage in a park in Leicester.
The tortoise was found in October in a park near Mere Road. The reptile was in a cage which was far too small for a tortoise, and contained decomposing food.
The finder contacted the RSPCA and the reptile was examined by a vet – attempts were made to warm up the body but sadly the reptile was already deceased.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ellie Grindrod, is investigating the incident and said: “It’s heartbreaking that this beautiful creature was found in such inappropriate conditions and died. Vets who examined the tortoise said they appeared in poor condition and looked neglected. We can’t be sure exactly what happened in this case, but it’s possible that the tortoise died before being abandoned outside.
“Tortoises may look resilient and tough on the outside, but they are actually completely reliant on their owners to provide the correct environment for the species, including heating and lighting, and an appropriate diet. All of these are essential to keep them healthy and meet their welfare needs. Without proper care they become ill or suffer and, in severe cases or if left untreated, they can die. It isn’t always easy for an owner to tell when they are ill, fearful or suffering and by the time they are taken to a vet, if at all, sadly it can be too late.”
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 like Chutney and Ham 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
