Flintshire sees 56% rise in animal abandonments amid cost-of-living crisis
Flintshire has seen a shocking 56.8% increase in animal abandonment cases over the past three years, as economic pressures from the cost-of-living crisis push more pet owners to the brink.
This startling statistic highlights a growing animal welfare crisis across Wales, RSPCA Cymru has said.
The charity has released the new startling statistics to highlight the battle frontline rescuers face ahead of what is expected to be another bleak winter for thousands of animals as part of its Join The Christmas Rescue campaign.
Wales as a whole has seen a 29% rise in reported cases since 2021, with abandonment reports climbing from 1,196 to 1,547 by 2023.
Flintshire’s increase is among the highest in the country, exceeded only by the Vale of Glamorgan (85.7%), Bridgend (75.6%), and Swansea (57.4%).
Abandonments on the Rise Across Wales
Counties like Swansea, Rhondda Cynon Taff, and Cardiff reported the highest number of abandonment cases in 2023, with Swansea topping the list at 159 incidents.
These figures highlight the urgent need for intervention as the RSPCA braces for a challenging winter.
RSPCA Cymru believes the surge in pet ownership during the Covid-19 lockdown, coupled with rising living costs, has left many pet owners struggling to care for their animals.
With the festive season approaching, the charity warns that the crisis could worsen as families face increased expenses for gifts, food, and heating.
A Bleak Winter Ahead for Animals
RSPCA Chief Inspector Ian Briggs described the scale of the problem as “shocking,” noting a 51% rise in abandonment reports across England and Wales during the winter months over the past three years.
“Heartbreakingly, we are seeing many pets left in their own filth — with no food or water, no one to care for them, and no idea if anyone will come to help them,” he said.
Cases documented by the RSPCA include pets found in desperate conditions:
- In Abergele: Three kittens were abandoned and left to fend for themselves before being rescued and fostered by RSPCA Clwyd and Colwyn Branch.
- In Newport: Three newborn puppies were discovered dead in a shoebox, their umbilical cords still attached.
- In Cardiff: Thirteen guinea pigs with skin infections were abandoned in a small basket and later rescued by the RSPCA.
Public Support Vital
The RSPCA has urged struggling pet owners to seek help from reputable animal welfare charities rather than abandoning their animals.
Resources like the Wales Pet Food Bank which distributes pet food through local branches and P.E.T Foodbank Deeside aim to alleviate some of the financial burden for pet owners.
“Thanks to public support, we can rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome many of these animals,” added Chief Inspector Briggs. “But to continue this life-saving work, we need your help.”
The charity is also encouraging people to report cases of abandonment or suspected cruelty via its emergency line and to donate to its Join The Christmas Rescue campaign, which aims to fund rescues during the winter months.
For those considering giving up their pets, the RSPCA provides advice through its cost-of-living hub and urges anyone in difficulty to reach out before taking drastic action.
