NATIONAL: Sharp rise in abandoned pets
The number of? abandoned pets has risen? by more than 40 per cent, according to? leading animal charity the RSPCA. And the worrying trend is how many are being dumped just because their owners no longer want them.
Last year the RSPCA rescued 9,506 abandoned or unwanted animals compared? to 6,590 in the previous year – a 44% increase. For the second year the idications are that cats are the least-wanted pets, the RSPCA has found.
Andy Foxcroft, chief officer of RSPCA inspectorate, said: “We rescue a staggering number of animals from a wide range of difficult, distressing and often surprising situations each year. But what strikes me particularly about our latest figures is the huge number of animals we rescue simply because their owners no longer want them. With the new Animal Welfare Act now in force – which means owners are legally obliged to find out about their pet’s particular needs and care for it properly – we really hope more people will consider the full responsibility they are taking on before getting an animal. Hopefully this will mean the RSPCA rescuing fewer unwanted animals.”
Award-winning comedian and cat owner Ricky Gervais said: “The RSPCA works round the clock rescuing thousands of animals every year and gives them the chance of a new life, but to carry on they need your help.”
