RSPCA braced for surge of Covid pet abandonments in Nottinghamshire

The RSPCA is bracing itself for a surge in abandoned animals and fears the fallout from the Covid-19 crisis could see more owners struggling to keep their pets.
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Typically, the charity sees abandonment peak in the summer months.

During the summer months last year, the charity received 278 reports about dumped animals in Nottinghamshire

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 animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs and ferrets and 275 exotic pets.

These two cats were found abandoned in woodland in Mansfield Woodhouse this monthThese two cats were found abandoned in woodland in Mansfield Woodhouse this month
These two cats were found abandoned in woodland in Mansfield Woodhouse this month

These included two female cats, one grey and one tabby, after they were discovered in a carrier in a wooded area in Mansfield Woodhouse on June 10.

Michael Darling, the RSPCA inspector who took them into care, said: “These cats had been abandoned in a cat carrier in quite a remote, wooded area late at night so they were very lucky they were found when they were.

“They were left without food or water and would have been extremely vulnerable.”

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.

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.

“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.

“I’d urge anyone struggling with their pet to ask for help, please don’t abandon them now.” To help the RSPCA continue to rescue animals, click here.

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