RSPCA reports 20% increase in pet neglect in Nottinghamshire and fears problem could get worse ahead of Christmas
There were nearly 1,000 reports of pet neglect in the first nine months of 2024 in Nottinghamshire.
The figures, released by the RSPCA today (Tuesday, December 10) reveal a 25% increase in pet neglect reports nationally compared to last year, and officers fear the problem could 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 25% year-on-year increase.
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 4 minutes.
In Nottinghamshire, 927 incidents of animal neglect were reported from January to September this year which is a 20% increase from the same period the year before when there were 775 incidents.
In neighbouring Lincolnshire 1061 incidents of animal neglect were reported from January to September this year which is a 22% increase from the same period the year before - placing it in the top ten highest counties in England.
It comes as the charity launches its Join the Christmas Rescue campaign, which aims to support frontline staff as they continue their life-saving work during the busy festive period.
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 30% 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.
In Lincolnshire the RSPCA rescued a dog found in an emaciated state with all bones including spine, ribs and hip bones all very prominent.
An RSPCA rescued the pet from an address in November last year and he was rushed to a vet where his body weight was less than half of what it should have been.
Within months in the care of the RSPCA the male dog was returned to a healthy weight.
RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said: “The large 25% 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 30% 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.”
Jo added: “To help more neglected animals we must work together to make it a happy Christmas for every kind. We’re calling on everyone who believes that no animal should be left to suffer this Christmas to donate to our appeal today.”
For those who find themselves struggling, there are many reputable animal welfare charities who can offer help and advice and we encourage anybody in a difficult situation to seek support. The RSPCA have launched a dedicated cost of living hub to signpost help out there and we also have more than 200 Pet Food Bank Partnerships across the country to support struggling pet owners.
