RSPCA urges struggling pet owners in Suffolk to seek support amid rise in abandonments
The charity's seen a 23% increase in pets being left to fend for themselves over Christmas.
Last updated 27th Dec 2024
The RSPCA is urging owners in Suffolk to make plans for their pets when they go away during the holidays.
The charity tells us the number of animals abandoned in England and Wales over the winter has increased by a massive 51% in just three years.
But around Christmas time, they've seen a 23% increase across England and Wales.
In Suffolk alone, there's been a 15% rise in animals being abandoned since the cost of living crisis began.
Nationally, the charity received 25,230 reports to its cruelty line between December 18th 2023 and January 2nd 2024.
The RSPCA has also revealed that during the festive period, there were 1,089 reported cases of animals left abandoned in the home during this timeframe in 2023/2024 compared to 884 during the same period in 2022/23.
In total 660 dogs and 369 cats were left to fend for themselves during this period - often trapped and alone.
RSPCA Chief Inspector for Suffolk Adam Jones revealed 775 calls were made to the cruelty line on Christmas Day alone.
He said: “It is unimaginable that anyone could abandon a pet at any time of year, let alone Christmas.
"Last year we saw a 23% increase in animals abandoned in the home over the Christmas period - often while their owners went away celebrating the festive season without giving a thought to the care of their pets - who were often left in appalling conditions.”
We spoke to Nicola Walker, the Eastern representative for the RSPCA, who told us about her experiences: "We have had examples where people have gone away at Christmas, made no provisions for their pets, and abandoned their pets.
"They're trapped as well, so if there's no water left for them, they're not going to find it. If there's no food left for them, they're not going to find it."
To report any instances of animal cruelty to the RPSCA, you can go to their website.