At the RSPCA, every four minutes, we receive a report of animal neglect — a staggering and sobering statistic. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, our emergency cruelty line recorded 48,814 incidents of neglect, a nearly 25% increase from the 38,977 cases reported during the same period in 2023. These figures paint a distressing picture of the struggles faced by animals across the country and the urgent need for support during what is expected to be one of the toughest winters yet.
The RSPCA has been at the forefront of animal welfare for 200 years, but the challenges we face today are unprecedented. The surge in pet ownership during the Covid-19 lockdown, combined with the mounting financial pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, has created a perfect storm. More and more pet owners are finding themselves unable to provide the care their animals need, and as Christmas approaches, this crisis is set to deepen.
The increased expenditure on festive preparations, rising utility bills, and the financial strain of everyday living are leaving many families with impossible choices. Tragically, for some pets, this means enduring the worst days of their lives.
At the RSPCA Hull & East Riding Branch, we are witnessing the profound effects of this crisis. Rehoming numbers have fallen by 30% compared to 2022/23, as economic pressures make it increasingly difficult for people to commit to adopting a new pet. At the same time, animals are staying in our care for longer, with one dog remaining at our shelter for just over two years—a heartbreaking reminder of the ripple effects of financial hardship. Our resources are stretched thin as we work tirelessly to remove animals from harmful situations and provide support to pet owners struggling with behavioural challenges such as separation anxiety and reactivity. Our animal food bank is also under immense pressure, with demand surging and our supplies running dangerously low.
Fred Owen, Chief Executive of the RSPCA Hull & East Riding, emphasises the urgency of the situation: “We are at a critical juncture. The animals in our care are staying with us longer than ever, and the economic climate is making it harder for us to find them loving homes. At the same time, the demand for our support services—like our food bank—has skyrocketed. We are calling on our community to stand with us this Christmas, so no animal has to face neglect or abandonment during what should be a season of hope.”
The battle faced by our frontline rescuers and local teams is immense. Right now, too many animals are experiencing neglect and suffering, and as an organization, we are bracing ourselves for what will likely be one of our busiest winters yet. But there is hope. Every act of kindness, every donation, and every moment of awareness can help make a difference. Whether it’s supporting your local branch through donations to our food bank, fostering an animal in need, or spreading the word about responsible pet ownership, together, we can work towards a happier Christmas for every kind.
As we mark our 200th anniversary, the RSPCA continues to stand as a beacon of hope for animals in need. However, we cannot do it alone. This year, more than ever, we need our supporters to join us in our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals. At the RSPCA Hull & East Riding Branch, we are committed to supporting both animals and their owners through these challenging times. But we urgently need your help. Let’s ensure that no animal has to face neglect this Christmas. Together, we can make a difference.
To donate, volunteer, or learn more about how you can support our branch, please visit our website www.rspcahull.org.uk or contact us directly via the website. Let’s make this festive season a time of kindness and compassion—for every pet and every family.
Because every animal deserves a happy Christmas.