RSPCA sees 21% raise in North East animals being abandoned during winter since cost of living crisis began

The number of animals being abandoned during winter in the North East has risen by over 20%, according to new figures from the RSPCA.

A staggering 486 abandonment reports were made to the animal welfare charity in November 2022 to January 2023, concerning animals in Tyne and Wear. That's up 21% for the same period ending in January 2021, when there were 401 local abandonment reports to the RSPCA.

Across England and Wales those figures are even more heartbreaking, with a massive 51% rise in the number of animals abandoned. Between November 2023 to January 2024 alone, the RSPCA received 4,630 animal abandonment reports, up from 3,071 between November 2020 and January 2021.

The new statistics come as the charity launches its Join The Christmas Rescue campaign to highlight the battle frontline rescuers face ahead of what is expected to be another bleak winter for thousands of animals.

The RSPCA believes the surge in pet ownership during the Covid-19 lockdown and the increasing financial hardships due to soaring living costs have led to the increase in people dumping their pets.

In total 20,999 abandonment reports were made to the charity's emergency line in 2023 and according to latest 2024 figures (available up until the end of October) 16,866 have been reported this year - which, if the trend continues, will exceed 21,000 reports.

Before the cost of living crisis the number of reported abandonments during 2020 stood at 16,118 reports - showing a 30% rise in calls in just three years.

And, sadly, during the winter months, the RSPCA expects the crisis to worsen as more people struggle with the increase in expenditure around Christmas time with presents to buy and extra food shopping - coupled with an increase in energy bills.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Ian Briggs said: "We are seeing a shocking rise in the number of calls reporting pet abandonment to our emergency line during winter with an eye-watering 51% rise in three years. Sadly we expect the trend will continue as more pet owners face financial hardship at this time of year more than any other.

"Our rescuers are regularly coming across dogs in poor health, collapsed and left in isolated spots to suffer a lingering death; sick kittens discarded in cardboard boxes who are lucky to be found alive; or pet rabbits dumped in the wild with little chance of survival against predators.

"With the cost of living crisis we are also seeing people having to move out of properties due to financial pressures, and we are increasingly coming across pets who have been left locked in homes alone after their owners have moved out - like Jack and Poppy pictured (right) who were left to starve on a filthy mattress but were rescued by the RSPCA and have since been rehomed.

"Heartbreakingly, we are seeing many pets left in their own filth - with no food or water, no-one to care for them and no idea if anyone will come to help them. Thanks to the public supporting us we are able to rescue many animals, rehabilitate them and find them new homes - but to continue this life-saving work we need your help."

Abandoned pets like a dog who was found collapsed on a Newcastle residential street a few days after three small-breed dogs, one with overgrown fur, were discovered in the same area.

The dark-coloured Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dog was found on Colston Street in Benwell, on 13 October, she was emaciated and in a collapsed state. She was rushed to the vets by members of the public who found her but sadly due to her poor condition vets made the decision to put her to sleep to end her suffering.

They then called the RSPCA to investigate further in the hope of tracing the dog’s owner.

The sad discovery comes just a few days after three small breed dogs were found straying on the nearby West Road. They were taken to vets, where one had matted fur that was so severe they had to be anaesthetised and shaved at the vets, but thankfully the other two dogs were in fair health. The trio are now being cared for by a local animal shelter and an investigation has been launched.

Ian added: "Right now, far too many animals are suffering behind closed doors. But as long as animals are in desperate need this Christmas, we won't stop.

"So please Join The Christmas Rescue and together we will bring joy and safety to animals. For thousands of terrified and injured animals, we’ll turn the worst suffering into the best Christmas yet – because it will be the one where their lives change forever, and the start of many happier Christmases to come."

For those who find themselves struggling, there are many reputable animal welfare charities who can offer help and advice and we encourage anybody in a difficult situation to seek support. The RSPCA have launched a dedicated cost of living hub to signpost the help out there for owners and we also have more than 200 Pet Food Bank Partnerships across the country to support struggling pet owners.

To help the RSPCA rescue more animals visit rspca.org.uk/winterappeal

The charity adds that it's the responsibility of us all to show kindness and compassion to all animals; everyone for every kind. If you find an abandoned animal, it’s important to get them the help they need as quickly as possible, so we have lots of advice on our website to help the public help animals themselves.

If you find a small pet who has been abandoned, take them directly to a local vet or rescue centre. These teams can call in the expertise of our teams if there’s evidence that the animal has been neglected or abused. There’s more information on how to safely handle and transport an animal on our website.

If you find a dog you believe has been abandoned, please contact your local authority’s stray dog service; you can find out more here.

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