RSPCA preparing for busy Christmas after 11 pets were abandoned in November across Northamptonshire

A national animal rescue charity received 11 reports of abandoned animals in Northamptonshire last month.

RSPCA is now gearing up for a busy Christmas and winter period after a worrying November.

The festive season last year saw 49 pets abandoned in the county and nationally, more than 50 reports a day were received of animals left outside in the cold.

This year, the charity says reports of increased pet ownership, coupled with a deepening recession could see even more pets abandoned.

Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA’s animal rescue teams, said: “During the lockdown there have been reports of a rise in people buying or adopting new pets, often for the very first time.

“Whilst it’s great that so many people have become pet owners and have found their pet to be a real source of comfort during these challenging times, we are concerned that some people may have bought a pet on impulse without considering how their lifestyle might change once the pandemic ends.

“On top of that, we are facing real economic uncertainties, and, as in previous recessions, people may simply find themselves unable to afford their pet.

“The last thing we want to see is animals dumped and left out in the cold so we’d urge anyone who is struggling to care for their pets to please reach out to friends, family and charities for support instead.”

In a poll conducted by YovGov, a third of British adults who own a pet (33 percent) said they were worried that pets bought during lockdown will be abandoned if people returned to work and 31 percent said they were concerned that pets will be dumped this Christmas if people were struggling.

Dermot added: “We would always urge anyone considering getting a pet to thoroughly do their research to make sure they can give them the time, money and care they need for the rest of their lives.

“As the impact of the pandemic puts a strain on people’s finances and as many people start to return to work or some kind of normality, the fear is that we will see a surge in abandoned and neglected animals coming into our care.”

The charity’s officers are out on the frontline 365 days a year to help those animals in need and this Christmas will be no exception.

Find out more about the work and how you can help this Christmas on the RSPCA website.

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