RSPCA receiving neglect calls every 5 minutes as fears rise ahead of Christmas

08 December 2023 , 09:38

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Peter was rescued after RSPCA recieved reports of neglect (Image: RSPCA)

The lives of thousands of animals are at major risk this Christmas as the number of neglect cases has soared, the RSPCA has warned.

The UK's leading animal charity shared with The Mirror the depressing news that a neglected animal is being reported to them every five minutes. Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said animals are "hanging in the balance" this winter, with a 14.9% increase so far on last year's reported incidents.

Up to the end of October, the charity's dedicated emergency line received an alarming 43,360 reports of neglect. New figures from the welfare charity show that, In the first ten 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 figures highlight a three-year high in abandonment cases (Getty Images)

In October, the RSPCA received around 4,387 neglect calls, which is higher than the amount in that month last year, which was listed at 3,818. Worryingly, the statistics show a three-year high as the number of calls came in at 4,186 in 2021 and 3,931 in 2020 .

Sadly, neglect isn't the only area which has marked a three-year high as calls about abandoned animals have reached the same, the RSPCA announced last month. The charity says they are expecting to take more than 21,400 calls about unwanted and dumped animals this year too.

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Mr Murphy highlighted the cost of living crisis alongside abandonment as he shared his fears for animals over the festive period. "Thousands of animals' lives are hanging in the balance this Christmas with animal neglect reports a real cause for concern," he told The Mirror. "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."

A group of puppies were rescued from New Tredegar in south-east Wales (RSPCA)

The charity highlighted a case in Essex, which saw rescuers respond to concerns of nearly ten cats. The team discovered seven tiny cages with nine cats inside. The cages were sized a mere 3ft x 2ft, and were double stacked around the room.

Among the cats was Peter, who was found riddled with fleas and left trapped in a cage without access to food. Rescuers said he only had a dirty water bowl in his reach. Vets later confirmed he was suffering from a flea infestation. The grim conditions also included overflowing litter trays at the premises. It was reported that one inspector who rushed to the scene was left struggling to breathe.

The conditions were in such a dire state that Peter was left with yellow staining to the white fur on his paws. Thankfully, Peter and his feline friends received the care they needed before being rehomed through the RSPCA Kent, Ashford, Tenterden & District Branch. Peter soon found his forever home with Helen Glennister and her family in Kent.

Peter found a forever home with Helen (RSPCA)

She said: “I first saw Peter on a social media post, and instantly fell in love with him. He has such an expressive face. We’d been thinking about adopting a rescue dog because I’ve always been a ‘dog person’ until that point but Peter changed my mind!

Helen contacted the charity and Peter arrived at her home on the first day of lockdown in 2020. He was given a "distanced handover" due to coronavirus restrictions. "He was the last cat to be rehomed by the team before everything changed," she said. The feline has since built a close relationship with her 11-year-old son Arthur.

The mum added: "My son Arthur is his best friend. Peter adores him and enjoys nothing more than spending time on Arthur’s bed. He’s brought such joy into our home - I couldn’t imagine life without him. I’d encourage everyone to adopt an RSPCA rescue pet. It’s a win-win situation."

This year the RSPCA is asking for members of the public to support its Christmas Rescue by donating here. Murphy added: "Our frontline officers work tirelessly to bring neglected animals to safety - and it's the kind-hearted public who power these rescue efforts.

"This winter, our rescue teams are set to be very busy trying to help and reach so many neglected animals - which is why we need animal lovers to Join the Christmas Rescue now more than ever, and donate to help us be there for neglected animals in their time of need."

Monica Charsley