RSPCA braced for summer surge in abandonment

The RSPCA is bracing itself for a surge in abandoned animals and fears the fallout from the Covid crisis could see more owners struggling to keep their pets.

Typically, the charity sees abandonment peak in the summer months.

Between June and August 2019, 16,519 animals were reported abandoned to the RSPCA which accounts for 30% of all animals reported abandoned that year.

During the summer months the charity received 739 reports about dumped animals in Greater Manchester.

This included a young adult male pomeranian-type dog who was found by a walker in a remote field in Sale last summer.

The poor pomeranian-type dog was in a collapsed state and appeared to have been neglected with matted fur with dried faeces stuck in the fur, when he was discovered on July 1, 2019, in the field off Manor Avenue.

He was taken to vets, but sadly they decided because of the dog’s ill health the kindest thing would be to put him to sleep to end his suffering, but because of his poor condition they suspected the dog had been neglected so reported the matter to the RSPCA.

Inspector Jess Arajo remembers: “I remember this awful incident.

"The poor little dog was rushed to vets, but sadly they decided because he was so poorly the kindest thing would be to put him to sleep to end his suffering.

"He wasn’t microchipped and it seemed he had simply been left to die in the field. It was absolutely tragic.” 

The RSPCA is braced for an even bigger impact this summer following the easing of lockdown and the financial impact on the coronavirus pandemic, and has launched an emergency appeal to continue its vital rescue work.

During the three months since lockdown began, the RSPCA has received reports about 3,492 abandoned animals - about 40 calls a day - including 1,509 dogs, 1,165 cats, 299 small furries such as hamsters, guinea pigs and ferrets and 275 exotic pets.

Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA’s animal rescue teams, said: “During lockdown we’ve seen pets become a source of comfort and support for people and it appears many people have taken on new animals.

"Fortunately during this time we’ve dealt with fewer abandoned pets.

"However, we are worried that as lockdown eases, people return to work, go on holidays or struggle financially we will be facing a massive surge of animal abandonments.

“Sadly summer tends to bring with it a surge in abandoned animals.

"We don’t know why but  it may be a combination of the warmer weather making people feel less guilty about dumping a pet to fend for themselves and people doing away on holiday and abandoning pets instead of arranging care for them.”

RSPCA rescue teams have been working throughout lockdown after being classified as essential key workers.

The numbers of animals being cared for by the RSPCA has risen by more than 1,500 to 5,600 during the pandemic.

Mr Murphy added: “This is the toughest year yet for the RSPCA despite the huge challenges, our amazing teams have been continuing to rescue animals throughout this crisis. 

“I’d urge anyone struggling with their pet to ask for help.

"Animals have been there to help us through the crisis, please don’t abandon them now.”

What people can do if they’re struggling to care for their pets:

Ask friends and family for help

Contact your vet about payment plans, discounts or vouchers for neutering or any other treatment needed

Get in touch with local rehoming charities for advice

Visit the RSPCA website for welfare advice

To help the RSPCA continue to rescue animals that have been abandoned this summer, please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/abandonments

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