‘Massive surge’ in dumped pets ahead

A leading animal charity is bracing itself for a surge in abandoned pets across Sussex.

The RSPCA, whose headquarters are in Southwater, says it fears the fallout from the Covid crisis could see more owners struggling to keep their pets.

The charity typically sees abandonment peak in the summer. Between June and August last year, a total of 16,519 animals were reported abandoned to the RSPCA - 30 per cent of all animals reported abandoned that year.

In West Sussex alone during that time, the charity received 155 reports about dumped animals.

It has now launched an emergency appeal to continue its rescue work amid fears of the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic on families following the easing of lockdown.

Since lockdown first began the RSPCA has received around 40 calls a day about dumped pets - including 1,509 dogs, 1,165 cats, 299 small furries such as hamsters, guinea pigs and ferrets and 275 exotic pets.

Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA’s animal rescue teams, said: “During lockdown we’ve seen pets become a source of comfort and support for people and it appears many people have taken on new animals.

“Fortunately during this time we’ve dealt with fewer abandoned pets however we are worried that as lockdown eases, people return to work, go on holidays or struggle financially we will be facing a massive surge of animal abandonments.”

RSPCA rescue teams have been working throughout lockdown as essential key workers. The numbers of animals being cared for by the RSPCA has risen by more than 1,500 to 5,600 during the pandemic.

In March this year an officer was called to rescue a bearded dragon which was found in a closed cardboard box in a ditch in Byfleets Lane, between Broadbridge Heath and Warnham.

The box had been there for three or four days, but when the person opened it in order to move it from the ditch they discovered the bearded dragon inside.

Despite having been left in the box for a few days the dragon appeared to be in good health and was taken to a nearby vet for a check-up before being transferred to a reptile specialist facility.

The RSPCA urges anyone struggling to cope with their pets to ask friends and family for help and to contact their local vet about payment plans, discounts or vouchers for any treatement needed.

For more visit www.rspca. org.uk/abandonments