INCIDENTS of animal neglect in South Yorkshire have increased by more than eight per cent in the last year, the RSPCA has confirmed.
Across the country, the animal welfare charity said that between January and September 2024 its emergency cruelty line recorded 48,814 incidents of neglect, up from 38,977 for the same period in 2023 – a worrying 25 per cent year-on-year increase.
In South Yorkshire 1,335 incidents of animal neglect were reported from January to September this year which is an eight per cent increase from the same period the year before – making it the seventh highest in England.
The distressing new statistics – which are broken down for each county – have been released as part of the charity’s campaign Join the Christmas Rescue, which aims to support frontline staff as they continue their life-saving work during the busy festive period.
RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said: “Sadly we expect the crisis to worsen as more people tend to struggle with increased costs around Christmas time with presents to buy and extra food shopping – along with energy bills.
“But we can make a difference, which is why we are asking the public to support our appeal, join The Christmas Rescue, and help our rescuers,veterinary teams, branches and centre staff, who work tirelessly to give animals the urgent treatment and love that will save their lives.
“To help more neglected animals we must work together to make it a happy Christmas for every kind.
“We’re calling on everyone who believes that no animal should be left to suffer this Christmas to donate to our appeal today.”
