THE RSPCA has said that Vale of Glamorgan is showing the highest increase in abandoned pets – with Bridgend county borough in second place.
Comparing figures for 2021 to 2023, the number of abandoned pets in the Vale has jumped by 85% (28 in 2021 and 52 in 2023).
Bridgend is showing a percentage rise of 75.6 per cent (45 in 2021 and 79 in 2023).
The all-Wales average increase is 29%. In Neath Port Talbot, there has actually been a 4.1% decrease (73 down to 70), while Cardiff has only risen by 13.6 per cent (113 in 2021 up to 134 in 2023).
The RSPCA believes the surge in pet ownership during the Covid-19 lockdown and the increasing financial hardships due to soaring living costs have led to the increase in people dumping their pets.
And now, during the winter months, the RSPCA expects the crisis to worsen as more people struggle with the increase in expenditure around Christmas time, with presents to buy and extra food shopping – coupled with an increase in energy bills.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Ian Briggs said: “We are seeing a shocking rise in the number of calls reporting pet abandonment to our emergency line during winter with an eye-watering 51% rise in three years. Sadly we expect the trend will continue as more pet owners face financial hardship at this time of year more than any other.
“With the cost of living crisis we are also seeing people having to move out of properties due to financial pressures, and we are increasingly coming across pets who have been left locked in homes alone after their owners have moved out.”
Ian added: “Right now, far too many animals are suffering behind closed doors. But as long as animals are in desperate need this Christmas, we won’t stop.
“So please Join The Christmas Rescue and together we will bring joy and safety to animals. For thousands of terrified and injured animals, we’ll turn the worst suffering into the best Christmas yet – because it will be the one where their lives change forever, and the start of many happier Christmases to come.”
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