Almost 150 reports of animals being neglected in Cornwall last winter
The RSPCA is urging owners to look after their animals this Christmas
Last updated 24th Dec 2021
It has been revealed there were almost 150 reports of animals being neglected in Cornwall last winter.
The RSPCA says a third of those were in December and there were also 31 reports of pets being neglected.
The charity is urging owners in the Duchy to look after their pets in an appeal to to stop animal abandonment and neglect this Christmas.
It has launched its Christmas appeal 'Join the Christmas Rescue' to help be there for animals in need this festive season.
Suzanne Norbury is part of the RSPCA in the South West.
She said: "We're particularly worried with the long four day Christmas this year.
"Sadly we have seen incidents of abandonment and several instances of neglect already this winter so it is something that is a real concern to us. We'd recommend that people are not too proud to ask out, if they need support to reach out and never abandon a pet".
RSPCA survey results have revealed that 87% of the charity’s frontline rescuers fear neglect of pets will rise this festive season.
In Cornwall there were 149 reports of animals being neglected last winter - including 50 reports in December.
31 reports were made of animals in the county being abandoned in the same year.
Suzanne continued: "Our frontline rescue teams, all our inspectors, our rescue centres are working all through Christmas and the festive season so we're asking people to help us join the Christmas rescue and help animals that may not be getting the care they need this year".
The charity offers support and advice to people who have been gifted new pets over the holidays, and urges people to come forward if they need extra support to look after their pet.
"Make sure that animal has what they need, whether that's with themselves or with a new owner.
"Just make sure if you have new animals in your life, that you're comfortable and happy with the changes that the festive season brings and that they make sure they're safe too.
Whatever animal it is, whether it's a snake or a horse or a cat or a dog people need to be really prepared to give that animal the support it needs throughout the whole of its life".