ANIMAL neglect is on the rise in the West Midlands, according to figures from the RSPCA.
In the first nine months of this year the charity reported an almost 25 per cent increase in reports nationwide.
In the West Midlands 2,148 incidents of animal neglect were reported from January to September – a 20 per cent increase from the same period the year before – making it the third highest county for reports after the London area and West Yorkshire.
The animal welfare charity said it ‘fears the problem is about to get worse as more pet owners face financial hardship at Christmas
RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said: “The large 25% increase in the number of pet neglect calls we are taking is a major concern during our busy winter period when many people are facing more financial difficulties, and we fear this upsetting trend will continue.
“One call every four minutes is a frightening statistic. Coupled with this we have also seen a startling increase in abandonment cases up 30 per cent in just three years.
“Sadly we expect the crisis to worsen as more people tend to struggle with increased costs around Christmas time with presents to buy and extra food shopping – along with energy bills.”
The RSPCA said between January and September 2024 its emergency cruelty line recorded 48,814 incidents of neglect, up from 38,977 for the same period in 2023
During this period the emergency line has been open 3, 276 hours, meaning it has taken an average of 15 reported incidents of neglect every single hour – or approximately one every four minutes.
The RSPCA, which this year celebrates its 200th anniversary, believes these shocking statistics are due to an increase in pet ownership during Covid 19 and the current financial hardships faced by many.
Neglect cases in the West Midlands include a ten-year-old Staffie-cross who was found emaciated by a vet and had large open wounds on his body.
The matter was reported to the RSPCA to investigate and the pet was admitted to the charity’s Birmingham Animal Hospital.
Thankfully, with round-the-clock care, the team managed to alleviate his suffering and help him start to recover. In March last year he found his forever home.
For those who find themselves struggling, there are many reputable animal welfare charities who can offer help and advice and we encourage anybody in a difficult situation to seek support.
The RSPCA have launched a dedicated cost of living hub to signpost help out there and we also have more than 200 Pet Food Bank Partnerships across the country to support struggling pet owners.
To help the RSPCA rescue more animals click here.
