Fears for pets in UK with Christmas across the nook as canine dies on option to vets
There has been a grim rise in the amount of abandoned animals since the cost of living crisis began, a new study has revealed.
There’s been a 28% surge in abandonments in Lancashire, UK, since people started feeling the financial pinch, rising from 655 in 2021 to 838 in 2023. In total, the charity’s emergency line received 20,999 abandonment reports in 2023 and according to the most recent 2024 figures – available up until the end of October – 19,067 have been reported so far this year.
In one heart-wrenching case, a sickly young dog tragically died en route to a veterinary hospital after being discovered in a Lancashire park. The male spaniel type dog was spotted in a distressed state near the bowling green at Watson Road Park, Blackpool, by a passer-by in May.
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It’s suspected he may have been intentionally abandoned. He was taken to a local PDSA’s pet hospital by the finder but sadly suffered a seizure on the way there and passed away before he could receive treatment.
Photos reveal the spaniel had thin and missing fur in several areas due to a severe flea infestation and live insects were observed on his body. Estimated to be between 18 months and two years old, he wasn’t microchipped, neutered or wearing a collar, reports Lancs Live.
The RSPCA is reporting a disturbing escalation in the number of pets being abandoned, a situation exacerbated by the pandemic pet boom and climbing living costs. The grim outlook worsens as the winter months bring added financial strain from Christmas expenses and rising energy bills.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Ian Briggs shared his concerns: “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.
“Our rescuers are regularly coming across dogs in poor health, collapsed and left in isolated spots to suffer a lingering death; sick kittens discarded in cardboard boxes who are lucky to be found alive; or pet rabbits dumped in the wild with little chance of survival against predators.”
Briggs also highlighted the growing phenomenon of animals left behind in vacated properties, victims of economic duress: “With the cost of living crisis we are also seeing people having to move out of properties due to financial pressures.
“We are increasingly coming across pets who have been left locked in homes alone after their owners have moved out – like Jack and Poppy who were left to starve on a filthy mattress but were rescued by the RSPCA and have since been rehomed.”
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