The RSPCA has revealed it received 647 reports about neglected animals in Cambridgeshire during the first 10 months of 2023.
The charity released a county-by-county breakdown of its national statistics and also calculated a neglected animal is reported every five minutes.
The numbers highlighted its Join the Christmas Rescue Campaign which aims to support frontline staff ahead of what could be a “bleak” winter for pets and other animals.
Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: “Thousands of animals' lives are hanging in the balance this Christmas with animal neglect reports a real cause for concern - including in Cambridgeshire.
“Across England and Wales, our emergency line is getting a call about a neglected animal every 288 seconds.
“Combine those levels of neglect with rising abandonments, the cost of living crisis, and the cold weather this winter, and we fear this could be a very bleak time for animals.”
He added: “But there is hope.
Our frontline officers work tirelessly to bring neglected animals to safety - and it's the kind-hearted public who power these rescue efforts.”
Greater London, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, Lancashire and Kent were the areas where the most neglect reports were recorded.
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Among the animals in the RSPCA’s care looking for new homes is Ted, a poodle cross who arrived with a serious ear infection after being rescued from a puppy farm.
After some TLC and the right medication, he is coming out of his shell and slowly gaining confidence thanks to the team at RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre, in Wimblington, near March.
According to his profile, he doesn’t seem very interested in treats but does love being around other dogs and could be rehomed with a household that already has another dog.
Visit Ted’s profile for more information at https://shorturl.at/intFP.
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