Huge rise in pet neglect cases across Tyne and Wear
The RSPCA say they've attended over 900 incidents
The RSPCA has seen an almost 25% increase in animal neglect reports during the first nine months of this year and fears the problem is about to get worse as more pet owners face 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.
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 Tyne and Wear 914 incidents of animal neglect were reported from January to September this year which is a 20% increase from the same period the year before - ranking it in the top ten highest county increases.
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, which this year celebrates its 200th anniversary, believes these shocking statistics are due to an increase in pet ownership during Covid 19 and the current financial hardships faced by many.
Last month the RSPCA appealed for information after a Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dog was found collapsed on a residential street in Newcastle just a few days after three small-breed dogs, one with overgrown fur, were discovered in the same area.
The dog was discovered on Colston Street in Benwell on 13 October in an emaciated and collapsed state and was rushed to a vet by members of the public who found her. Sadly due to her poor condition, the vet made the decision to put her to sleep to end her suffering.
Just a few days later, three small breed dogs were found straying on nearby West Road. They were also taken to a vet, where one had fur that was so severe;y matted they had to be anaesthetised and shaved. Thankfully the other two dogs were in fair health. The trio are now being cared for by a local animal shelter.
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.”