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 last year, 16,519 animals were reported abandoned to the charity, which accounts for 30% of all animals reported abandoned in 2019. During the summer months the charity had nearly 180 calls a day about dumped animals – 5,600 about cats and 6,400 about dogs.
The RSPCA is braced for an even bigger impact this summer following the easing of lockdown and the financial impact on the coronavirus pandemic so has launched an emergency appeal to continue its rescue work.
During the three months since lockdown began, the charity has received reports about 3,492 abandoned animals – that’s about 40 calls a day – including 1509 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 going away on holiday 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.
