There's been a big increase in the number of animals being abandoned in Rutland and Leicestershire
Figures from the RSPCA found that there were 389 incidents reported in 2023
The RSPCA has seen a 41 % increase in the number of animals being abandoned across Rutland and Leicestershire.
Figures from the charity found 389 animals were abandoned, including birds, dogs and horses in 2023, which is a rise of over a third when compared to 2021.
A winter appeal is being launched to urge owners to look after their animal's welfare.
Chief Inspector of the RSPCA Ian Briggs describes some of the abandonments they deal with:
"Animals in extremely poor condition just being abandoned on the streets or in laybys.
"Boxes of kittens, rabbits, we find them being left to their own devices up and down the country.
"There's no need for it, and each one is heart-breaking"
He continues:
“With the cost of living crisis we are also seeing people having to move out of properties due to financial pressures, and we are increasingly coming across pets who have been left locked in homes alone after their owners have moved out.
“Heartbreakingly they are unable to survive for long in their own filth - with no food or water, no-one to care for them and no idea if anyone will come to help them.
Elsewhere in our area - Lincolnshire saw a rise of 20% with 433 animals abandoned in 2023 when compared to 2021. Meanwhile in Cambridgeshire which covers Peterborough there's been a 7 % increase.