RSPCA highlights rising pet neglect cases in Cumbria

The RSPCA has revealed a troubling rise in reports of neglected pets, with figures released today showing a 30% increase in cases reported to its emergency line in England and Wales compared to the same period last year.

Up to the end of October, the charity received 73,294 reports of neglect, highlighting an urgent need for support as winter poses challenges for many animals.

Increasing neglect calls in Cumbria

In Cumbria, the situation mirrors the national trend, with 508 neglect reports made in the first 10 months of this year compared to 504 over the same period in 2024. Last year, the total number of reports for the area reached 590.

Amid these worrying statistics, animals like Matilda, a dog currently cared for at the RSPCA Longview Animal Centre, demonstrate the harsh reality behind the data. Rescued in September, Matilda was severely underweight, scoring just 1 out of 9 on the body condition scale upon arrival. Weighing only 14kg, she also suffered from sore skin and poor eye condition.

Despite her ordeal, Matilda remains loving, showing affection to staff and seeking companionship. She is steadily recovering in care but struggles with kennel life. The centre is now searching for a foster home to continue her progress in a more relaxed environment.

The Big Give Back to Animals campaign

The RSPCA has launched an appeal, The Big Give Back to Animals, urging the public to donate essential funds to help rescuers manage the increasing demand for support.

RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne emphasised the gravity of the situation: "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 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, all who 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."

Helping one animal at a time

Jaffa, another animal rescued by the charity, paints a vivid picture of neglect. Found in filthy conditions alongside other animals, Jaffa was saved after a call from a concerned member of the public. Her rescue wasn’t immediate as advice visits failed to spur action, but when her environment didn’t improve, the police intervened and placed her and the other animals into RSPCA care.

Jaffa, malnourished and covered in fleas at the time of rescue, has since recovered and found a loving home with her brother Fin.

Simon stressed that despite their work, countless animals still need urgent help this winter: "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.

"Every year, we secure loving homes for tens of thousands and rescue countless animals from desperate cruelty and neglect but we need help to rescue, heal and protect the rising number of mistreated animals in desperate need of urgent care."

Animal abandonment figures have also surged this year, with reports rising 23% by October compared to the same period in 2024, totalling more than 24,000 cases.

Simon added: "Our emergency teams are under real pressure - but we'll keep being there for animals experiencing the worst cruelty and neglect.

"In addition to responding on the frontline for animals, as a charity we’re doing all we can to keep animals in loving homes. Amid the tough financial climate, we’ve committed extra funding to crisis measures; launched an online cost of living hub, and expanded our pet food bank partnerships.

"But this vital work is only made possible by the kindness and generosity of our supporters. Every single donation goes directly toward building a better world for every kind of animal."