‘Animals are starving behind closed doors’ - warning as pet neglect rises 21% rise in Lancashire
“Animals are starving behind closed doors.”
That’s the message from the RSPCA, which has today revealed a heartbreaking 21% rise in neglect reports in Lancashire, exposing an animal welfare crisis.
In Lancashire, the charity has received 1,957 reports about neglected animals in the first 10 months of this year - a heartbreaking 21% rise compared to 1,620 in the same period last year.
The increase in pet neglect has led the charity to launch an urgent appeal - The Big Give Back to Animals. The fundraiser will help RSPCA rescuers cope with the rising demand for support.
RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne said: “Animals are facing shocking levels of neglect right now - they are often starving behind closed doors and being left without the treatment they urgently need. The truth is, times are desperately tough – and innocent animals are tragically the ones paying the ultimate price.
“The heartbreaking surge in neglect reports has already shattered our records, and we fear for what is to come over the winter months.
“These are not just statistics; behind the staggering numbers are individual animals who all desperately need and deserve our help to survive. It’s unbearable to see the pain in their eyes, but that’s the reality facing so many animals and our rescuers fighting to save their lives.”
One of the many animals rescued by the RSPCA, currently looking for a home in Lancashire, is Matilda.
Upon arrival at the RSPCA, Matilda ranked a one out of nine on the body condition score scale, weighing in at only 14kg (30.9lb). She also had sore skin and poor eye condition.
Matilda was underweight and unsure of the world, but the team was determined to give her all the love and affection she needed and deserved. Despite her ordeal, Matilda is an affectionate dog and really loves spending time with her handlers.
Since being at the centre, she has been gaining weight and slowly improving, and the team is looking for a foster home.
Another animal rescued from neglect is Jaffa. She was living in filthy conditions when she was found, but now has everything a cat could want. A cosy sofa she can nap on, and an exciting garden to explore.
Simon said: “Jaffa’s life was once very different. When we received a call from a worried member of the public, we went to investigate. Our rescuers found Jaffa, three other cats, and a dog, living in squalor.
“The animals were surrounded by filth and mess. We found rotting food and poo everywhere. The smell was eyewatering. This wasn’t a safe environment for animals or humans. We visited, but things didn't improve, so the animals were seized by police and passed into our care.
“Jaffa was underweight and covered in fleas. Once we treated her, she was fostered along with her brother, Fin.
“Since then, Jaffa and Fin have found their ideal forever home together - but many other animals are still facing neglect this winter. But despite the challenges, there is hope. The Big Give Back to Animals is a rallying cry for animal lovers to help us, help animals this winter, as we try to raise vital funds to enable our rescuers to be there when they are needed most."