RSPCA reveals shocking 25 per cent increase in pet neglect reports compared to last year

The RSPCA has seen an almost 25 per cent 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 25pc year-on-year increase with 559 neglect incidents reported in Suffolk during first nine months of 2024.

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 four minutes.

The incidents of animal neglect in Suffolk were reported from January to September this year which is a 8pc increase from the same period the year before.

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 30pc 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.

RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said: “The large 25pc 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 30pc 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.”

One of the many animals rescued from neglect by the charity before having her life transformed is Mabel (pictured above now and below when she was found).

Staffie cross Mabel was taken to a veterinary surgery in Surrey just a few weeks before Christmas emaciated and starved.

She was so weak and dehydrated she was unable to stand unaided and her ribs and spine were protruding from her body. Her owner said she had been refusing to eat for a few days but when offered food by the vet she devoured it.

The vet could also see no medical reasons for her not to be eating and concerned she had been neglected for at least a month, they reported the matter to the RSPCA.

RSPCA inspector Leanna Hone, who investigated her case, said: “She was completely emaciated and malnourished, unable to stand unaided, and incredibly weak. She had such a sad look on her face and these big, beautiful brown eyes which stared into your soul – my heart broke for her and what she’d been through.”

Mabel spent 10 days in hospital after the incident in 2021 before time in a foster home to help her recovery and was then moved to the RSPCA’s Millbrook Animal Centre in Surrey, where she found her forever home.

Now aged six, Mabel is loving life with her new owners in Camberley, and is looking forward to a Christmas enjoying long walks and new toys. Her previous owners were prosecuted by the RSPCA.

In Suffolk four-year-old  Great Dane Milo (pictured above) was rescued by RSPCA inspectors due to welfare concerns and was looked after by RSPCA Suffolk Central Branch.

Milo hadn’t had the best start in life and he was terrified of everyone and everything when he arrived. It is thought he had spent his whole life in unsuitable conditions which has triggered his intense anxiety.

But Milo has now been rehomed with his loving forever family.

To help the RSPCA rescue more animals visit rspca.org.uk/winterappeal

For those who find themselves struggling, there are many reputable animal welfare charities who can offer help and advice and are encouraging anybody in a difficult situation to seek support.

The RSPCA have launched a dedicated cost of living hub to signpost help out there and it also has more than 200 Pet Food Bank Partnerships across the country to support struggling pet owners.