RSPCA Reveals Shocking 25% Increase In Pet Neglect Reports Compared To Last Year

Cats

The Charity Now Receives One Call About Pet Neglect Every Four Minutes.

The RSPCA has revealed an alarming rise in animal neglect reports, with a nearly 25% increase recorded during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. The charity says it now receives a call about pet neglect every four minutes and warns that the situation may worsen as the festive season brings additional financial strain for many pet owners.

Between January and September 2024, the RSPCA’s emergency cruelty line received 48,814 reports of neglect, up from 38,977 during the same period in 2023—a troubling 25% year-on-year rise.

The distressing statistics, broken down by county, have been released as part of the charity’s Join The Christmas Rescuecampaign, which aims to support frontline staff in their life-saving work during the busy festive season.

Counties with the highest reported neglect cases include Outer London (2,010), Inner London (1,240), West Yorkshire (2,207), West Midlands (2,148), Greater Manchester (2,135), and Kent (1,471).

The figures follow the RSPCA’s announcement last month that abandonment reports to its emergency line rose by 30% over three years, from 16,118 in 2020 to 20,999 in 2023.

Celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, the RSPCA attributes these concerning trends to increased pet ownership during the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing financial hardships faced by many.

RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said:
“The large 25% increase in the number of pet neglect calls we are taking is a major concern during our busy winter period when many people are facing more financial difficulties, and we fear this upsetting trend will continue.

“One call every four minutes is a frightening statistic. Coupled with this, we have also seen a startling increase in abandonment cases—up 30% in just three years.

“Sadly, we expect the crisis to worsen as more people struggle with increased costs around Christmas time, with presents to buy, extra food shopping, and rising energy bills.

“But we can make a difference, which is why we are asking the public to support our appeal, Join The Christmas Rescue, and help our rescuers, veterinary teams, branches, and centre staff, who work tirelessly to give animals the urgent treatment and love that will save their lives.”

From Neglect To New Beginnings

Mabel’s Story
One of the many animals rescued by the RSPCA is Staffie cross Mabel, whose life was transformed after being saved from severe neglect.

Mabel was taken to a veterinary surgery in Surrey just weeks before Christmas, emaciated and starved. She was so weak and dehydrated she couldn’t stand unaided. Her ribs and spine protruded from her frail body.

Her owner claimed she had refused to eat for a few days, but when offered food by the vet, Mabel devoured it. Concerned she had been neglected for at least a month, the vet reported the case to the RSPCA.

RSPCA Inspector Leanna Hone, who investigated the case, said:
“She was completely emaciated and malnourished, unable to stand unaided, and incredibly weak. 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.”

After ten days in hospital and time in foster care, Mabel moved to the RSPCA’s Millbrook Animal Centre in Surrey. Now aged six, Mabel is thriving with her new owners in Camberley and looking forward to a Christmas filled with long walks and new toys. Her previous owners were prosecuted by the RSPCA.

Cleo and Sindy’s Story

In another heartwarming rescue, Cleo (pictured left in main photo and above), an underweight cat near death, and her feline friend Sindy were saved by the RSPCA and are now thriving in their new home in York.

Cleo was found emaciated, with her ribs and spine visible, when rescued in January 2022. Along with Sindy and other cats, she was suffering from eye and dental issues. Cleo weighed only 1.4kg (3.08 pounds), but within 17 days under the RSPCA’s care, her weight doubled to a healthy 2.8kg. Sindy also recovered after gaining weight and receiving treatment for sore eyes.

Inspector Joanne Hartley, who rescued them, said:
“I clearly remember seeing how thin and weak Cleo was when we arrived at the property. I was really concerned for her health and that of several other cats she was living with, including Sindy.

“We rushed them all for veterinary treatment, and I always remember how ravenously they ate when first offered food. They quickly gained weight on a healthy diet.”

Rehabilitated at the RSPCA’s York, Harrogate and District Branch, Cleo and Sindy were rehomed in December 2023 by Alice McMullan and her partner, Henry Fern.

Jo added:
“To help more neglected animals like Mabel, Cleo, and Sindy, we must work together to make it a happy Christmas for every animal. We’re calling on everyone who believes no animal should be left to suffer this Christmas to donate to our appeal today.”

Support The RSPCA’s Winter Appeal
To help the RSPCA rescue more animals, visit rspca.org.uk/winterappeal.

For those struggling to care for their pets, the RSPCA offers support through a dedicated cost-of-living hub and more than 200 Pet Food Bank Partnerships across the UK.

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