RSPCA’S PLEA AS COSTS ROCKET

THE RSPCA is “begging” people not to dump their pets due to living costs.

Its rescue teams have seen a 25% rise in abandonments this year, as well as a 13% rise in neglected animals.

The charity said it is working hard to keep pets in loving homes this Christmas by providing support to those struggling.

It is appealing to people who are in a position to donate at a time when “any contribution could make the difference between life and death for animals this winter”.

Dermot Murphy, who heads the RSPCA frontline rescue teams, said: “We’re extremely sympathetic to anyone struggling with rising costs at this difficult time but we’re begging people not to dump their pets.

“It is never the answer. Please, please ask for help.

“We’ve sadly seen a shocking rise in the number of incidents of animal abandonment and neglect our rescuers are dealing with.

“My fear is that we’ll see increasing cases of animals neglected and abandoned this Christmas as families struggle with soaring bills.

“We are doing what we can to help, but we are struggling too.”