RSPCA 'desperately concerned' about East Riding as statistics show animal adanonments have soared across region

RSPCA highlights 74.6% rise in incidents across the East Riding amid three-year high.

The animal welfare charity has today (November 22) released statistics showing that abandonments have been spiraling amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Already this year, up to the end of October, the animal welfare charity has received 17,838 reports of abandoned animals across England and Wales - which, if such trends continue, would equate to 21,417 reports over 2023.This compares with 16,118 reports during the whole of 2020, meaning the RSPCA is on course to see a 32.9% rise in abandonment calls this year.In the East Riding the charity is on course to receive 327 reports of animal abandonment this year - marking a 74.6% rise on the number of reports received in the local community in 2020.

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The RSPCA has received 327 reports of animal abandonment in the East Riding so far this year.

Dermot Murphy, who heads the RSPCA frontline rescue teams, said: “The combined effects of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis has created a perfect storm - and means we expect more animals than ever will need our help this year."Abandonment calls to our emergency line are now at a three-year high, as we respond to an increasing number of animals being given up and dumped.“We’re desperately concerned about the coming winter months in the East Riding of Yorkshire- abandonments have soared and many rescue centres are full to bursting, so we are facing an unprecedented winter crisis.“Our rescue teams are set to be busier than ever this Christmas - so we need animal lovers to join the Christmas rescue and donate to help us be there for animals in desperate need as neglect and abandonment soars.“For nearly 200 years, the RSPCA has been working tirelessly to bring animals to safety and give them the expert treatment and compassion they deserve.“The support of the public helps neglected and abandoned animals in so many ways - from buying soft, warm bedding and nourishing food for an animal who’s desperately cold and hungry, to funding vital vet care for an animal who’s suffering and in pain.”

Visit https://www.rspca.org.uk/local/bridlington-driffield-and-district-branch for more on the RSPCA’s Bridlington branch and how to donate.