RSPCA Reports Significant Increase in Animal Abandonment

The RSPCA has observed a notable increase in animal abandonments by owners within Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The animal welfare organization noted that reported abandonment cases in these two counties rose by almost a quarter since 2021, reaching 260 incidents in the previous year. The RSPCA attributes this rise in pet abandonment to the ongoing cost of living crisis. Boris Lasserre, an inspector for the charity, described these statistics as “quite shocking,” stating, “There is no excuse to abandon your animal.” Mr. Lasserre also mentioned that assistance is available for individuals facing financial difficulties. He further elaborated, “The UK has an unrivalled animal charity network,” adding, “There’s plenty of people out there ready to provide you with food, help you with your vet bills, help you rehome your animal.” In addition to discovering dogs abandoned in “isolated spots” and sick kittens “discarded in cardboard boxes,” the charity reported an increase in instances where animals are left behind inside residences. Mr. Lasserre characterized this as “hidden neglect,” explaining, “This is behind closed doors. The property is usually in absolutely squalid conditions and the people have just up and left and left the animals as if they’ve left all the furniture behind.” Mr. Lasserre also indicated that “have-a-go” breeders, who view animals as a simple method to generate income, are also contributing to the growing number of abandonment cases. He elaborated on this, stating, “When the bottom falls out of the market of that particular animal, people aren’t buying them over the internet, and then they just get rid of their surplus and dump them wherever they can.” Among its recent activities, the charity is conducting an investigation following the discovery of dozens of domestic rabbits—some deceased, others dying or ill—in a field located in Chaddesley Corbett.