Kittens riddled with fleas, newborn animals dumped in boxes and others abandoned beneath hedges are among the shocking cases reported to Isle of Wight animal charity Friends of the Animals, which says it has never experienced a year quite like this for neglect.
The Newport-based charity has raised concerns over the growing number of animals being neglected and abandoned across the Isle of Wight, with staff receiving hundreds of calls at its Pyle Street office.
Although reports of animals being dumped and discarded have become increasingly familiar on the mainland, Friends of the Animals says it is now witnessing the suffering first-hand on the Island.
Among the most concerning cases are sick kittens found crawling with fleas, including 1 tiny kitten that was discovered with more than 40 fleas on its body.
The charity’s foster carer, Jane, has been left hand-feeding and grooming kittens brought into its care, some of which have required intensive attention.
In other cases, 2 kittens just days old were discovered abandoned in a box, while another 2 were found dumped underneath a hedge.
The charity says the problem extends far beyond cats, with neglect affecting all kinds of animals.
Friends of the Animals has expressed its disbelief that people can continue with their everyday lives while animals in their care are left suffering.
In response to the increasing number of cases, the charity is stepping up its financial support for spaying and neutering in a bid to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of animals at risk of abandonment.
Until the end of December, Friends of the Animals is offering contributions of £70 towards female cat spaying, £60 towards male cat neutering, £120 towards bitch spaying and £100 towards male dog castration.
The charity hopes that making these procedures more affordable will help break the cycle of unwanted breeding, neglect and suffering.
Friends of the Animals says the suffering caused by animals not being spayed or neutered is both unnecessary and avoidable.
Isle of Wight residents seeking financial assistance with neutering or spaying their pets can contact Friends of the Animals on 01983 522511, Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00.
