The RSPCA received more than 4,600 reports of abandoned animals last winter and is worried a surge in pet ownership could result in more unwanted animals this year.
The animals abandoned included 128 horses, 193 rabbits and 1,401 cats, but dogs were the most abandoned pet with a whopping 2,425 reported as abandoned during the winter months.
Already this November, there were nearly 1,000 reports of dumped and unwanted animals to the RSPCA’s cruelty line and the charity says reports of increased pet ownership coupled with a deepening recession could see more pets left out in the cold this year.
Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA’s animal rescue teams, said: “During the lockdown there have been reports of a rise in people buying or adopting new pets, often for the very first time.
“While it’s great that so many people have become pet owners and have found their pet to be a real source of comfort during these challenging times, we are concerned that some people may have bought a pet on impulse without considering how their lifestyle might change once the pandemic ends.
“On top of that, we are facing real economic uncertainties, and, as in previous recessions, people may simply find themselves unable to afford their pet.
“The last thing we want to see is animals dumped and left out in the cold so we’d urge anyone who is struggling to care for their pets to please reach out to friends, family and charities for support instead.”
