The RSPCA is gearing up for its busy festive period to help save animals in need, as new figures reveal a shocking 23% increase in the number of terrified pets who were left abandoned and home alone over Christmas last year.
New statistics also show the charity had 25,230 reports made to its cruelty line between 18th December last year and 2nd January 2024. This means there was on average 158 calls an hour and includes a staggering 775 calls which were taken on Christmas Day.
The charity has also revealed that during the festive period, there were 1,089 reported cases of animals left abandoned in the home during the festive fortnight in 2023/2024 compared to 884 during the same period in 2022/23 – which is a staggering 23% hike.
In total 660 dogs and 369 cats were left to fend for themselves during this period – often trapped, terrified and completely alone and not knowing if anyone would save them.
Paul Williams, RSPCA chief inspector for the Isle of Wight, has said:
“It is unimaginable that anyone could abandon a pet at any time of year, let alone Christmas. Last year we saw a 23% increase in animals abandoned in the home over the Christmas period – often while their owners went away celebrating the festive season without giving a thought for the care of their pets – who were often left in appalling conditions.”
The RSPCA revealed last week how it has seen almost a 25% increase in animal neglect reports during the first half of this year and fear the problem is about to get worse as more pet owners face financial hardship this Christmas.
The charity also 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.
A surge in pet ownership during the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and the increasing financial hardships due to soaring living costs have led to the alarming increase according to the RSPCA.
People should be vetted before being allowed to
own pets.
Too many selfish B’stards neglect their pets.