RSPCA braced for ‘massive surge’ in abandoned pets in West Sussex

A leading animal charity is bracing itself for a surge in abandoned pets across Sussex.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The RSPCA says it fears the fallout from the Covid crisis could see more owners struggling to keep their pets.

And a spokesman issued a heartfelt plea: “Animals have been there to help us through the crisis, please don’t abandon them now.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The charity typically sees abandonment peak in the summer. Between June and August last year, a total of 16,519 animals were reported abandoned to the RSPCA - 30 per cent of all animals reported abandoned that year.

The RSPCA is expecting a surge in abandoned animals SUS-201007-100419001The RSPCA is expecting a surge in abandoned animals SUS-201007-100419001
The RSPCA is expecting a surge in abandoned animals SUS-201007-100419001

In West Sussex alone during that time, the charity received 155 reports about dumped animals.

It has now launched an emergency appeal to continue its rescue work amid fears of the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic on families following the easing of lockdown.

Since lockdown first began the RSPCA, whose headquarters are near Horsham, has received around 40 calls a day about dumped pets - including 1,509 dogs, 1,165 cats, 299 small furries such as hamsters, guinea pigs and ferrets and 275 exotic pets.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

This bearded dragon was found dumped in a cardboard box SUS-201007-105124001This bearded dragon was found dumped in a cardboard box SUS-201007-105124001
This bearded dragon was found dumped in a cardboard box SUS-201007-105124001

“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.”

He added: “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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In March this year an officer was called to rescue a bearded dragon which was found in a closed cardboard box in a ditch in Byfleets Lane, between Broadbridge Heath and Warnham.

The box had been there for three or four days, but when the person opened it in order to move it from the ditch they discovered the bearded dragon inside.

Despite having been left in the box for a few days the dragon appeared to be in good health and was taken to a nearby vet for a check-up before being transferred to a reptile specialist facility.

Dermot said: “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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“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.”

The RSPCA urges anyone struggling to cope with their pets to ask friends and family for help and to contact their local vet about payment plans, discounts or vouchers for any treatement needed.

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

Related topics: