Financial pressures and a rise in animal ownership is putting an increasing strain on welfare charities according to the RSPCA, with the charity expecting a spike in call outs this summer. The RSPCA receives around 90,000 calls to its cruelty line every month, but in June, July and August, calls rise to around 134,000 a month.
“There are many factors which could explain why we see a rise in cruelty during the summer months,” said Dermot Murphy, Chief Inspectorate Officer at the RSPCA. “The longer sunny days could mean people are out and about more and likely to see and report abuse.
“And this year, we are also concerned that the recent rise in pet ownership coupled with the cost of living crisis could see people really struggling to care for their pets which may lead them to lash out or could see more animals than ever being abandoned or given up.”
Dumped in desperate need
Last summer officers were called out to a skewbald pony who’d been dumped in a field (pictured top) on Leatherhead Road in Chessington, after a member of the public had spotted him in need of help. He was named Gerald by RSPCA Inspector Andrew Kirby who came to the stricken pony’s help.
Gerald underwent several weeks of ongoing veterinary treatment for the neglect he had suffered, including overgrown and cracked hooves, a dry and uncomfortable skin condition, as well as serious malnourishment. He has now gone on to start a new life at Bransby Horses in Lincoln.
