RSPCA says cases of pets being dumped soaring due to cost-of-living increase
The cat was found in a pet carrier. Picture: RSPCA
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November 30, 2022
The RSPCA are currently caring for a cat found in a pet carrier in Acton Park recently.
The charity believes it is likely that the animal was left by an owner unable to continue to care for it due to the rise in the cost-of-living and says that it has seen a significant increase in pet abandonments in recent months.
The female cat was found early on Friday morning (25 November) by a dog owner who was walking in Acton Park.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Holly Walker said, “This poor cat must have been really frightened to be left in the park like that, vulnerable to danger but also out in the cold. Sadly this situation isn’t uncommon - yet another abandoned animal dumped for someone else to find and help. This is the third incident in as many months that I have dealt with, of cats being found abandoned in parks across London.
“At the moment, we don’t know who dumped her and why, but she seems to be in good health and is very friendly, and with the fact she was left inside a pet carrier, I suspect she was someone’s pet. It’s difficult to say why she might have been abandoned, but it’s possible it may have been due to the cost of living crisis. The cat isn’t microchipped so I’m not able to trace their owner, but anyone who recognises this friendly white and tortie-coloured puss can contact me with any information by calling 0300 1234 999.”
The cat is now being cared for by an RSPCA branch, and if she is not claimed within two weeks she will be found a new home.
The charity says it has seen a ‘tidal wave’ of animal abandonments, and has launched a Christmas campaign after seeing a 25% rise in the number of these incidents officers have dealt with. In recent weeks alone, the charity’s teams have rescued three eight-week-old puppies, including one who died, dumped in a food waste bin in Kent, as well as five puppies abandoned in a box in London with their umbilical cords still attached.
Holly added, “We and other animal charities are doing everything we can to help but it’s a very difficult situation that is getting worse, and many pet owners are struggling financially. However, abandoning an animal is never acceptable, and we urge anyone who is struggling to look after their pet to seek out advice and support. There is dedicated cost of living support being offered by the RSPCA with a recently-opened telephone helpline to support callers who are worried about the cost of living crisis, and a dedicated Cost of Living Hub with practical help and advice on the website.
“This is why we are running our Christmas campaign which is calling on people to donate so we can help rescue more neglected and abandoned animals.”
The RSPCA is also facing additional challenges this year because of rising prices, with everything from the fuel that keeps rescuers on the road and energy that heats animal centres and hospitals to the food the animals need, continuing to soar.
You can help the RSPCA support neglected and abandoned animals by joining the Christmas Rescue.
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