RSPCA braced for unwanted lockdown pets

ANIMAL charity RSPCA has launched a Christmas appeal for help as it braces for what it fears will be a surge of abandoned and neglected animals as pet ownership soared during lockdown.

Last December, the RSPCA received one call every minute, one report of an abandoned animal every hour, and took 70 rescue animals into RSPCA care every day, despite England and Wales having strict restrictions in place.

During the pandemic, pet ownership surged with estimates of more than 3.2m people taking on new pets.

With the return to work, the end of furlough and a rise in consumer prices and energy bills the charity says the increased stress and pressures could lead to a rise in abandonment, neglect and even abuse of animals.

In Derbyshire there were 55 reports of animals being abandoned last winter – including 22 in December.

Dermot Murphy, who heads the RSPCA frontline rescue teams, says officers will be saving animals across England and Wales throughout the festive season, including Christmas Day.

He said: “Our frontline rescue teams are braced for the worst this Christmas. We usually see two types of pet abandonment at Christmas and both are heartbreaking.

“Every year we get reports of people leaving their pets while they visit family and friends.

“This year is a four day holiday and many people will want to make-up for not being able to see family and friends so some animals will be left for days on their own to fend for themselves.

“It’s not acceptable to simply leave extra food and water for most pets if you are going away.

“It’s a sad reality that some pets will be turned out on the streets this Christmas and we are braced for even more of that happening as the bills are rising, there are presents to buy or the commitment needed to own a pet becomes too much.

“Please never abandon a pet. Don’t be too proud to ask for help.”

Calls to the RSPCA’S Emergency Rescue Line passed precovid levels for the first time in September showing return to normality and with it rising concerns about the welfare of animals.