Another awful year for abandoned animals

In 2011 we received more than 28,000 calls about dumped pets

10.01.12

We are urging people to think before they act after the number of calls we received last year about abandoned animals rose for the fifth year running.

Last year, we took 28,162 calls about animals abandonments, compared to 27,755 in 2010.

In 2007, the total was just 21,481 - giving a 31 per cent rise over five years.

Some good news

There was some good news - the December total for 2011 was 1,997, the lowest it has been since 2008, when we received 1,878 calls during the same month.

We also received fewer calls (313) about abandonments during the first five days of January 2012, compared to 390 in the same period in 2011.

We don't know why more and more animals are being dumped

RSPCA Inspector Tony Woodley said:

Usually we see many more abandonments in the summer rather than around Christmas.

And the fact that the number of abandonments last December had decreased is slightly encouraging.

Although it is tempting to blame the economic situation, we have no real idea why the number of abandonments is increasing overall.

But it is so frustrating to think that the messages about caring for animals just aren't getting through to some people.

 

Just some of the animals abandoned last year

• Seven shivering Jack Russell puppies found in a box in Woking, Surrey, on 5 December.
  
  All had had their tails docked, possibly illegally.

 

  

• A white cat left in a box in public toilets in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, on 30 December.
  
  A note had been left with the cat saying: 'Please find me a good home.'
  
  
  
   

 

• A whimpering English bull terrier found huddled next to a wall on a common near Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, on 18 December.
  
  The female dog had fur missing and her skin was red and raw.
  
  She was also lame on her right hind leg.
  
  
   
• 
  Three lurcher dogs dumped outside the RSPCA Putney Animal Hospital in London on 16 December.
  
  They had been left outside on a cold wet night, with a note saying their owners had been made homeless and could no longer care for them.
  
   

Please seek help rather than just dump an animal 

Pet owners have a legal responsibility to care for their animals.

If you are having difficulties looking after your pet, there are organisations that can help.

For more information, read our advice on giving up an unwanted pet or contact our advice line – 0300 1234 555.
 

How you can help reduce the number of abandoned animals

If every pet owner made the following few simple New Year resolutions, there would be far fewer abandoned animals.

• Only take on an animal if you are confident you can provide for him/her.
   
• Make sure you can afford veterinary care before taking on an animal.
   
• Neuter your pet to reduce the chances of unwanted litters (discounted services are often available to those on low incomes).
   
• Microchip your pet so if he/she does go missing, they can easily be traced back to you.
   

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Your support

Please, help us to continue to rescue animals like these by making a donation.

Call 0300 123 8000 (24 hours) or donate online today.

We can't do it without you. Thank you for your support

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