‘Winter crisis’ due to more calls about neglected animals, the RSPCA says
An animal charity has revealed shocking new statistics highlighting the issue of animal neglect across the country including in Cambridgeshire.
A neglected animal is reported to the RSPCA every five minutes - as shocking new statistics highlight how busy the charity’s rescuers are on the frontline.
New figures from the animal welfare charity show that, up to the end of October, its dedicated emergency line had received 43,360 reports of neglect.
In Cambridgeshire alone, the charity received 647 reports about neglected animals in the first 10 months of this year.
The distressing new statistics - which include statistics for each county - have been released as part of the charity’s Join the Christmas Rescue campaign - aiming to support its frontline staff ahead of what could be a “bleak” winter season for pets and other animals.
In the first 10 months of the year, the line had been open for 3,474 hours - meaning it averages 12.5 calls about neglect every single hour, or one report every 288 seconds.
The number of reports the charity had about neglect in October (4,387) - was also higher than the number in that month of 2022 (3,818), 2021 (4,186) and 2020 (3,931) - with incidents shooting up up an eye-watering 14.9% compared to last year.
The data follows previous statistics suggesting calls about abandoned animals are at a three-year high, with the charity expecting to receive more than 21,400 calls about unwanted and dumped animals this year too.
The new figures saw staggering numbers of incidents in each local area. So far this year, Greater London, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, Lancashire and Kent have seen the most neglect reports - but RSPCA frontline rescuers responding to neglect reports in all parts of England and Wales.
Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: “Thousands of animals' lives are hanging in the balance this Christmas with animal neglect reports a real cause for concern - including in Cambridgeshire.
“Across England and Wales, our emergency line is getting a call about a neglected animal every 288 seconds.
“Combine those levels of neglect with rising abandonments, the cost of living crisis, and the cold weather this winter, and we fear this could be a very bleak time for animals.”
He added: “But there is hope. Our frontline officers work tirelessly to bring neglected animals to safety - and it's the kind-hearted public who power these rescue efforts.”
Among the animals currently awaiting their forever homes at the RSPCA’s Block Fen Rescue Centre in Wimblington are dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs and guinea pigs.
These include Sarah a lurcher crossbreed who is around four-years-old and has been waiting for a new home since November 2021.
Her profile on the centre’s website says Sarah is a sweet-natured, cheeky girl, with so much personality! She initially comes across as being shy but once she is bonded with you she is very loving and cheeky. She loves nothing more than zooming around and playing with her male friends here at the centre. She is so playful! She is very affectionate when she is bonded with you and loves climbing on your lap for cuddles and kisses.
Sampson is approximately six-years-old and is also a lurcher crossbreed. He arrived here at the centre due to his owners having a change in circumstances. He has settled in well with us and is now looking for a home with another playful dog to keep him company.
His profile says Sampson is the most playful boy and LOVES every dog that he meets! He loves nothing more than having a zoom around in the paddocks with another dog, he loves to be chased.
British Bulldog crossbreed Bella is around five-years-old, she is a truly gorgeous bulldog with so much love to give.
Bella has been in our care for almost one year. She was finding kennel life very stressful but luckily for her, she has recently been placed into a foster home with a member of our team and has settled back into home life amazingly well.
Pigs Iggy and Pop are a lovely pair of pigs who are looking for a home together where they can spend their day doing their 2 favourite things: eating and sleeping.
Both of these boys have different personalities. They were shy to begin with when they first arrived at our centre however after growing more comfortable they have begun to show us what lovely piggies they are.
Willow is one a number of rabbits in need of a home.
This beautiful girl arrived here at the centre via an inspector from a multi-animal household.
When she first arrived in to the RSPCA’s care she was quite a timid girl. We have spent a lot of time getting her used to being around people and she is now a very confident girl with a big personality! She is very cheeky. We are loking for Willow to be rehomed with a neutered male to keep her company. She would be able to go as an indoor rabbit providing she has enough enrichment to keep her active.
Two-year-old Autumn is one of the many cats at Block Fen looking for a family adopt her.
She arrived in the centre’s care with her babies after they were found abandoned in a car park. After spending some time here caring for her kittens she has now been fully weaned and is ready to begin looking for her forever home.
Mowgli the Abyssinian guinea pig is among those looking for a home that are currently at Block Fen.
She arrived in our care with her babies after they were found abandoned in a car park. After spending some time here caring for her kittens she has now been fully weaned and is ready to begin looking for her forever home.
The centre is looking for him to be rehomed to a secure space that's large enough for him and other female companions to exercise.
If you think you might be able to offer a forever home to these or any of the other animals at Block Fen then contact the centre on 0300 123 0726 or email blockfen-inbox@rspca.org.uk.
If you need to report cruelty or an animal in distress call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
