Number of pets being abandoned in county leaps by 'staggering' 41 per cent

The number of pets being abandoned and rescued by the RSPCA in this area has leaped by 41 per cent since the cost of living crisis began. In 2021 there were 275 animals rescued after being abandoned by their owners in Leicestershire and Rutland.

In 2023, that number had risen to 389 pets. The charity has described the rise in this area - which reflects similar leaps elsewhere - as "staggering". In England and Wales the numbers for 2023 are up by 51 per cent compared to 2021.

The charity has released the new statistics to highlight the battle they face ahead of what is expected to be another bleak winter for thousands of animals. The figures for 2024 are expected to be far higher.

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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.

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 per cent 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.

“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 in this county included a tortoise found dumped in a cage in Spinney Hill Park in Leicester. The tortoise was found at around 1pm on Friday, October 11, near Mere Road. The reptile was in a cage which was far too small for it and contained decomposing food.

The finder contacted the RSPCA and the reptile was examined by a vet but the reptile was already deceased. RSPCA animal rescue officer Ellie Grindrod, who is investigating the incident, said: “It’s heartbreaking that this beautiful creature was found in such inappropriate conditions and died.

“Tortoises may look resilient and tough on the outside, but they are actually completely reliant on their owners to provide the correct environment for the species, including heating and lighting, and an appropriate diet.

"All of these are essential to keep them healthy and meet their welfare needs. Without proper care they become ill or suffer and, in severe cases or if left untreated, they can die.

"It isn’t always easy for an owner to tell when they are ill, fearful or suffering and by the time they are taken to a vet, if at all, sadly it can be too late.”

The charity has launched its Christmas Rescue Campaign. To donate, visit the RSPCA website.