Huge rise in animal abandonments in Gloucestershire
The RSPCA say they're 'desperately concerned' about this winter
Animal abandonments incidents have soared to a shocking three year high as the RSPCA warns unwanted pets face a bleak winter - with incidents in Gloucestershire contributing to the crisis.
The animal welfare charity has released shocking new stats that show abandonments have been spiraling amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Already this year, up to the end of October, the animal welfare charity has received 17,838 reports of abandoned animals across England and Wales.
That's compared with 16,118 reports during the whole of 2020, and also higher than in 2021 and 2022 as well.
In Gloucestershire the charity says cases have risen by 15.7% since 2020.
Dermot Murphy, who heads the RSPCA frontline rescue teams, said:
“The combined effects of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis has created a perfect storm - and means we expect more animals than ever will need our help this year.
"Abandonment calls to our emergency line are now at a three-year high, as we respond to an increasing number of animals being given up and dumped. Behind these shocking statistics are thousands of vulnerable animals. Each one is a valuable life in urgent need of our help.
“We’re desperately concerned about the coming winter months in Wiltshire. Abandonments have soared nationwide and many rescue centres are full to bursting, so we are facing an unprecedented winter crisis.
“Our rescue teams are set to be busier than ever this Christmas - so we need animal lovers to join the Christmas rescue and donate to help us be there for animals in desperate need as neglect and abandonment soars.”
Dermot Murphy from the RSPCA said:
“For nearly 200 years, the RSPCA has been working tirelessly to bring animals to safety and give them the expert treatment and compassion they deserve.
“We’ll continue to do so for as long as we’re needed but we can’t do that without the support of fellow animal lovers. Together, we could save more lives.
“The support of the public helps neglected and abandoned animals in so many ways - from buying soft, warm bedding and nourishing food for an animal who’s desperately cold and hungry, to funding vital vet care for an animal who’s suffering and in pain.”