RSPCA warns of anticipated increase in animal neglect during Christmas period

The RSPCA has issued a warning that instances of animal neglect are expected to increase during the upcoming festive season, attributing this to pet owners facing difficulties with the heightened cost of living around Christmas. In East and West Sussex, the animal welfare charity’s cruelty line received 1,096 reports from January to September this year, marking a 12% rise compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Kent recorded the highest volume of reports in the south-east of England, totaling 1,471, while Surrey experienced the most significant year-on-year increase in reports, at 27%. RSPCA superintendent Jo Hirst stated: “Sadly, we expect the crisis to worsen as more people tend to struggle with increased costs around Christmas time with presents and extra food shopping, along with energy bills.” For Surrey, 624 reports were filed during the initial nine months of this year, in contrast to 490 reports made during the identical period in 2023. Furthermore, Kent observed a 14.5% rise in neglect reports, with the figure climbing from 1,285 to 1,471, positioning it as the fifth highest in the UK. Ms Hirst attributed the “shocking” statistics to a combination of increased pet ownership during the Covid-19 pandemic and the widespread financial difficulties currently being experienced. “We fear this upsetting trend will continue,” she commented. “But we can make a difference, which is why we are asking the public to support our appeal, Join The Christmas Rescue.” A terrier cross named Ayla, rescued in February, was brought to the Sussex North and Brighton Branch site suffering from ear and eye infections. Following several months of treatment, the dog is now seeking a permanent home, having resided with one of the charity’s foster carers for the past six months. Mabel, a staffie cross, needed surgery after being discovered in Surrey just weeks prior to Christmas, in such an emaciated and starved state that she could not stand independently. RSPCA inspector Leanna Hone stated: “Her owner said she had been refusing to eat for a few days but when offered food by the vet she devoured it.” She added: “She had such a sad look on her face and these big, beautiful brown eyes which stared into your soul – my heart broke for her and what she’d been through.” Mabel has since found a new home in Camberley.