Animal Charity Reports 'Epidemic' of Abandonments
The UK's largest animal welfare charity has declared an 'epidemic' of pet abandonment as owners struggle to cope with the ongoing cost of living crisis. The RSPCA revealed that abandonments across England and Wales have surged by almost 25% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching their highest level in at least five years.
Winter Fears and Heartbreaking Cases
Simon Osborne, an RSPCA superintendent, expressed deep concern about the situation. 'We have seen a dramatic and heartbreaking rise in abandonments this year,' he stated. 'With winter upon us, with plummeting temperatures and dark nights, we fear things could get even harder.' The statistics are stark: by the end of October, the charity's emergency line had received reports of 24,270 abandonment incidents, a significant jump from 19,727 during the same period in 2024.
This alarming trend was tragically illustrated during Storm Claudia, when seven male terrier-cross puppies, aged just ten weeks, were discovered. They had been left outside the gates of the RSPCA's Doncaster and Rotherham branch, terrified and cramped in a metal cage without any food or water.
Daniel Cartwright, the branch manager, said, 'It is heartbreaking to think that someone has just discarded them like this. We would urge anyone who is struggling to look after their animals to seek help and support.'
Underlying Causes and UK-Wide Impact
The RSPCA believes the primary driver of this crisis is the financial pressure on households. Their research indicates that seven in 10 pet owners are worried about the cost of caring for their animals, with a fifth specifically concerned about affording food. In response, a network of pet food banks has been established across England and Wales, and the charity has launched a money-saving hub on its website.
Another contributing factor is the legacy of the pandemic pet boom. As people have returned to offices, the challenge of finding care for animals acquired during lockdowns has become overwhelming for some.
The problem is not confined to England and Wales. The Scottish SPCA reported a 20% increase in calls from people needing to give up their pets in the first half of the year. Similarly, the USPCA in Northern Ireland noted a steady annual increase in the number of kittens coming into its care.
Other distressing cases from this year include:
- A critically ill terrier dumped in a sports bag at an RSPCA animal hospital in north London.
- A dog named 'Lucky' abandoned at a Sheffield shelter with only a note bearing his name.
- Six French bulldog-chihuahua cross puppies found dehydrated in a black bin bag in a Hull layby.
- Four kittens discovered in a shopping bag in a Lancashire litter bin.
In light of this escalating crisis, the RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal to raise funds for its frontline rescue officers, who are facing an unprecedented workload.
