London sees sharp rise in abandoned animals during summer

Penny, abandoned in a remote layby last summer in Essex Credit: RSPCA

London tops the national league table of animals being abandoned during the summer months, according to figures released by the RSPCA.

The animal charity says it received nearly 900 calls last summer with abandoned animals ranging from dogs to snakes and horses.

Inspectors say some animals may be left alone while their owners are away on holiday.

Penny rescued after being rescued by the RSPCA Credit: RSPCA

The RSPCA say the problem is not just confined to London and has been responding to calls across the South East.

Penny, pictured above, was left for dead in a remote layby in Essex.

She was found just in time, by two men whose car had broken down and spotted her amongst a pile of fly-tipped rubbish.

Her owners were never traced.

In total in the South East:

  • Essex had 312 calls

  • Kent had 283 calls

  • Hertfordshire with 158 calls

  • Surrey had 124 calls