RSPCA braces for summer surge in abandonments after 734 calls in West Yorkshire last year

Typically, the charity sees abandonment peak in the summer months. Between June and August 2019, 16,519 animals were reported abandoned to the RSPCA which accounts for 30 per cent of all animals reported abandoned that year.

During the summer months the charity received 734 reports about dumped animals in West Yorkshire.

This includes a poor rabbit who was found dumped in a cardboard animal carrier and left out with the rubbish on bin day in Huddersfield, last July.

The male rabbit was found in Chalwood by a member of the public who spotted the box early that morning and realised just in time that there was an animal in need of help inside. The rabbit had been dumped without food or water but the kind member of the public gave him some food and water before contacting the RSPCA.

RSPCA Inspector Emma Brook investigated and remembers: “This poor young rabbit was thrown out like rubbish and on bin collection day as well, he was very lucky that he was spotted when he was. The box wasn’t secure and the rabbit had clearly been quite stressed inside as he’d been jumping around and nibbling the box to try and get out.

“Luckily, he was in a healthy condition and was cared for by the staff at the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford and District branch who found him a new home.”

The RSPCA is braced for an even bigger impact this summer following the easing of lockdown and the financial impact on the coronavirus pandemic, and has launched an emergency appeal to continue its vital rescue work.

During the three months since lockdown began*, the RSPCA has received reports about 3,492 abandoned animals* - about 40 calls a day - including 1,509 dogs, 1,165 cats, 299 small furries such as hamsters, guinea pigs and ferrets and 275 exotic pets.

Officers were called to woodland in Huddersfield last month after a brindle and white Staffie-type dog was found tied to a tree and left in the middle of the woods.

Inspector Rebecca Goulding went to rescue him and he is now being cared for by the local dog warden.

Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA’s animal rescue teams, said: “During lockdown we’ve seen pets become a source of comfort and support for people and it appears many people have taken on new animals. Fortunately during this time we’ve dealt with fewer abandoned pets however we are worried that as lockdown eases, people return to work, go on holidays or struggle financially we will be facing a massive surge of animal abandonments.

Dermot added: “Sadly summer tends to bring with it a surge in abandoned animals. We don’t know why but it may be a combination of the warmer weather making people feel less guilty about dumping a pet to fend for themselves and people doing away on holiday abandoning pets instead of arranging care for them.”

RSPCA rescue teams have been working throughout lockdown after being classified as essential key workers. The numbers of animals being cared for by the RSPCA has risen by more than 1,500 to 5,600** during the pandemic

Dermot continued: “This is the toughest year yet for the RSPCA despite the huge challenges, our amazing teams have been continuing to rescue animals throughout this crisis.

“I’d urge anyone struggling with their pet to ask for help. Animals have been there to help us through the crisis, please don’t abandon them now.”