An RSPCA inspector has spoken of her despair following a spate of animal abandonments in Leicestershire in just a few days, something which could be due to the current cost of living crisis.
A small dog was abandoned in a cat carrier by some bins in Beaumont Leys, and two cats were found dumped in a cat carrier in Leicester.
Two rabbits were also found running in a road in Coalville.
RSPCA Inspector Herchy Boal was called to deal with all three incidents. Two happened on Saturday, October 22 and another on Wednesday, October 26. All five of the animals who were rescued and are now in safe care.
In the most recent incident a small Chihuahua was found inside a cat carrier dumped by some recycling bins at the Tesco store at the Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre, in Bradgate Mall, Leicester.
The terrified female pup – who is aged around 18 months old and was wearing a pink collar and -was found in the morning by road sweepers – who called the RSPCA for help.
CCTV footage shows a car pulling up to the bins at around lunchtime on October 25 and someone can be seen taking an item out of the boot and placing it by the back of the bins.
The pup could have been at the location all night frightened and alone until she was found the following day.
The dog who has been named Holly – was collected by the dog warden and is currently in their care but will transferred into the care of the RSPCA at a later date.
Two domestic rabbits were found abandoned in the area of Roundhouse Close, Bagworth, Coalville on October 22.
They were rescued by a concerned member of the public who kept them overnight – sadly one of the rabbits was pregnant and miscarried her six babies.
The male and female were collected by Inspector Boal who took them to a nearby vet for a check up – both appeared quite young and have now been taken into the care of the RSPCA where they are doing well. They have been named Vince and Ellie.
And also on October 22 two cats were found abandoned in a carrier at lunchtime in Syston Park Brookside, Leicester.
The cats were taken in by the caller and then collected the next day by Inspector Boal. They are two sweet grey cats and both were wearing collars, they were inside a small carrier. The cats were taken to a vet for a checkup and despite their ordeal seemed healthy they were not microchipped. They are now in the care of the RSPCA and have been called Velvet and Whiskey.
Inspector Boal said: “Sadly dealing with abandoned animals is part of the job as an inspector at the RSPCA – but to have so many abandoned animals in such a short period of time makes me despair.
“Fortunately for all these animals they were found and are now being kept warm and safe – but they could easily have ended up being injured or killed.
“While we understand, sadly circumstances can change for people as a result of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis – there is still never an excuse to abandon an animal. There are always other options for anyone who has fallen on hard times and can no longer afford to keep their pet.
“These animals were all scared and frightened by their ordeals and it’s just unthinkable that someone could do this to an animal who was once part of a family.
“I’m keen to hear from anyone who may know who is responsible for abandoning these animals in such an irresponsible way. “
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or has any information that could assist the RSPCA’s investigation should contact the charity’s appeal line, confidentially, on 0300 123 8018.
