Animal abandonment ‘epidemic’ as Lincolnshire faces grim winter, RSPCA warns
More than 400 animals abandoned locally as RSPCA launches urgent winter appeal
Animal welfare officers in Lincolnshire are bracing for a “grim” winter as hundreds of pets continue to be abandoned across the county, the RSPCA has warned.
More than 400 animals have already been abandoned in Lincolnshire this year, with 421 abandonment incidents reported up to the end of October.
With colder weather and darker nights setting in, the charity fears the risk to animals will rise further in the coming months.
“It’s been a really tough time for officers right across Lincolnshire,” said Chris O’Brien, RSPCA.
“We’ve seen rising cases of animal neglect and worrying levels of abandonment, and winter brings additional risks for animals.”
He warned that abandoned animals are far harder to spot during winter months.
“In summer, animals may be seen more quickly, but in winter the cold weather and dark nights mean the welfare risks are much more serious.”
Among the most distressing recent cases was the discovery of six kittens dumped in a bin bag near a Boston chip shop.
One kitten had to be put to sleep due to the severity of its illness, while the remaining kittens are still receiving treatment in RSPCA care.
The charity believes the cost of living crisis is a major factor behind the increase in neglect and abandonment.
“We hear all the time about the pressure of vet bills and food costs,” Chis O’Brien said.
“In extreme cases, people are taking drastic and often illegal measures like abandoning their animals.”
In response, the RSPCA has launched The Big Give Back to Animals appeal to help fund frontline officers dealing with the surge in cases across Lincolnshire and beyond.
More information about the appeal can be found on the RSPCA website.