RSPCA warns of winter crisis as animal abandonments soar

The RSPCA has today released shocking new figures that show abandonments have been spiralling amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

In West Sussex, the animal welfare charity is on course to receive 195 reports of animal abandonment this year, marking a 37.9 per cent rise on the number of reports received in the community in 2020.

While in East Sussex, the charity is on course to receive 238 reports of animal abandonment this year, marking a 20.7 per cent rise on the number of reports received in 2020.

In January, two tortoises were lucky to survive after being abandoned in a cardboard box in Horsham.

On the day they were found, temperatures in West Sussex had dropped as low as five degrees Celsius.

Tortoises need to be kept in a warm environment between 20°C and 25°C during the day and 15°C at night, if they’re not being hibernated over winter.

Two tortoises were abandoned in Horsham (Image: RSPCA)

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Fortunately, the pair were in good health and RSPCA inspector Tony Woodley was able to find space for them at the South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Grays.

A bearded dragon was also saved after a member of the public found the reptile near the pavilion at Hailsham Cricket Club in March. The lizard, who has been named Dave, went to a specialist RSPCA reptile facility before being rehomed.

This year the RSPCA is asking supporters to join the Christmas Rescue by donating to help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.

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.

“Behind these shocking statistics are thousands of vulnerable animals. Each one is a valuable life in urgent need of our help.

“We’re desperately concerned about the coming winter months in Sussex, 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.”