Pets abandoned soars by 65% as owners struggle to make ends meet

Animal cruelty, neglect and suffering are reaching unprecedented levels in modern times according to the RSPCA, the UKs largest animal welfare charity.

Almost 16,000 more animals were abandoned last year than in 2007, according to the RSPCA, who warned that pet owners are struggling to make ends meet in times of economic hardship.

The charity said 40,595 animals were abandoned in 2011, compared with 24,638 in 2007, a near 65% increase.

Over the same period, and despite efficiency savings, the charity's running costs have risen 8% from £111m to £120m.

The charity said it is finding it harder to rehome abandoned pets, with 12,711 dogs rehomed in 2011, compared with 16,659 in 2009.

They rehomed 29,880 cats in 2011, less than the 36,070 two years before.

Both species are taking longer to rehabilitate and rehome than a year ago meaning their average cost of stay is also rising, the RSPCA said.

The average stay for a dog in the year so far is 59 days, five more than last year and their average cost of stay has risen from £810 to £885.

Cats have also averaged stays of 59 days this year, four more days than in 2011 and the average cost of their stay as risen to £554.60 from £517.

The charity said it is currently responding to over 25,000 calls a week from the public and has seen a 23.5% rise in cruelty convictions in the last five years.

The first nine months of this year alone have seen 1,176 cruelty convictions involving work by the RSPCA, a 6% rise on the same period in 2011, which saw 1,108 convictions.

As the number of animals in need grows, welfare expenditure by the RSPCA - which relies entirely on public donations - is already exceeding forecasts set for 2012.

The charity said it predicted a further 6,000 dogs and cats will be abandoned between now and the end of the year at a cost of nearly £5m.

Visit www.rspca.org.uk/crisisappeal for more information.