The RSPCA said the rise in reports of animal neglect is ‘heartbreaking’
The RSPCA has warned that “animals are starving behind closed doors” amid an increase in reports of neglect in Cambridgeshire. New figures show that reports of neglect in Cambridgeshire have risen 21% over the last year.
The animal welfare charity said up to the end of October, its emergency line received 73,294 reports of neglect in England and Wales. That represented a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
In Cambridgeshire, the charity received 927 reports about neglected animals in the first 10 months of this year – a 21% rise compared to 768 in the same period last year. In total in 2024, there were 890 reports about neglected animals in Cambridgeshire made to the RSPCA.
Three-year-old Wookie is one of the many animals rescued by the RSPCA looking for a home in Cambridgeshire. A spokesperson said the husky x German shepherd mix is “energetic and ready to start a new chapter with someone who’ll show him what real home life feels like”.
Wookie came from a home with many dogs where he spent lots of time in a crate. “Wookie is one smart cookie. He already knows sit, paw, and a handful of other tricks and he’s eager to learn more especially if snacks are involved,” the spokesperson said.
“Training isn’t just fun for him, it’s enrichment that helps him thrive. If Wookie isn’t the right match for you, there are more rescue animals who have been saved from cruelty and neglect in search of a home on the RSPCA rehoming site.”
RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne said: “Animals are facing shocking levels of neglect right now – they are often starving behind closed doors and being left without the treatment they urgently need. The truth is, times are desperately tough – and innocent animals are tragically the ones paying the ultimate price.
“The heartbreaking surge in neglect reports has already shattered our records, and we fear for what is to come over the winter months. These are not just statistics; behind the staggering numbers are individual animals, all who desperately need and deserve our help to survive.
“It’s unbearable to see the pain in their eyes but that’s the reality facing our so many animals and our rescuers fighting to save their lives.”
Tabby cat Jaffa was rescued from filthy conditions by the RSPCA and has since been rehomed. Simon said: “Jaffa’s life was once very different. When we received a call from a worried member of the public, we went to investigate. Our rescuers found Jaffa, three other cats and a dog, living in squalor.
“The animals were surrounded by filth and mess. We found rotting food and poo everywhere. The smell was eyewatering. This wasn’t a safe environment for animals or humans. We visited but things didn’t improve, so the animals were seized by police and passed into our care.
“Jaffa was underweight and covered in fleas. Once we treated her, she was fostered along with her brother Fin. Since then, Jaffa and Fin have found their ideal forever home together – but many other animals are still facing neglect this winter.”
The charity has launched its ‘Big Give Back to Animals’ campaign to raise money to rescue animals, care for them, and find new homes. You can find out more here.
Simon added: “Our emergency teams are under real pressure – but we’ll keep being there for animals experiencing the worst cruelty and neglect. That’s why The Big Give Back to Animals is raising funds for our officers on the frontline.
“In addition to responding on the frontline for animals, as a charity we’re doing all we can to keep animals in loving homes. Amid the tough financial climate, we’ve committed extra funding to crisis measures; launched an online cost of living hub, and expanded our pet food bank partnerships.
“But this vital work is only made possible by the kindness and generosity of our supporters. Every single donation goes directly toward building a better world for every kind of animal.”
