The RSPCA has revealed a distressing 12% increase in animal neglect reports in Wales during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. With 3,163 cases reported between January and September, up from 2,822 in 2023, the charity fears the situation will worsen as financial pressures mount during the festive season.
Counties hit hardest
Rhondda Cynon Taf recorded the highest number of neglect reports (266), closely followed by Cardiff (262) and Swansea (237).
Across England and Wales, the RSPCA’s emergency cruelty line logged 48,814 incidents of neglect during the same period, marking a 25% increase from 2023’s 38,977 cases. On average, one incident is reported every four minutes, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
Festive fears
The RSPCA, celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, attributes the rise in neglect and abandonment to the surge in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis.
Superintendent Jo Hirst said: “A 12% rise in neglect calls in Wales is deeply concerning, especially as winter brings increased financial pressures. With energy bills, Christmas costs, and other challenges, we fear the trend will continue.”
She added: “Every four minutes, we receive a report of neglect. Coupled with a 30% rise in abandonment cases over the last three years, it’s a stark reminder of the challenges pets and their owners face. But together, through our Join the Christmas Rescue campaign, we can make a difference.”
Heartwarming rescue: Patsy Pancake
One of the year’s most remarkable rescues involved a Shih Tzu affectionately named Patsy Pancake. Found abandoned in Bridgend in January, Patsy was in a critical condition, with a matted coat contaminated by faeces and sepsis threatening her life.
Thanks to prompt veterinary care and RSPCA foster support, Patsy made a miraculous recovery. Now officially adopted by her foster carer, Jayne, Patsy is thriving alongside another rescued Shih Tzu, Ruby Bish Fingers.
Jayne shared: “Patsy Pancake has transformed into a sassy, vocal, and loving dog. She’s settled wonderfully with my other pets, including Ruby, and I couldn’t let her go after fostering her.”
RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper praised the community’s role in Patsy’s rescue. “It was touch and go, but thanks to incredible veterinary staff and a caring finder, Patsy has a second chance at life.”
Help for struggling pet owners
The RSPCA has launched a cost-of-living hub offering advice and support for those in financial difficulty. In Wales, the charity’s branches have established the Wales Pet Food Bank, distributing donations to food banks across the country.
To locate your nearest pet food bank or seek assistance, visit the RSPCA website: Wales Pet Food Bank.
As the festive season approaches, the RSPCA urges the public to support its life-saving work through donations and by joining the Join the Christmas Rescue campaign.
