The RSPCA needs more people in the South East to consider adopting a pet from one of its animal centres – as new figures reveal that the number of nationwide incidents involving 10 or more animals has increased nearly 70% in four years.
Last year the charity responded to 4,200 incidents which involved at least 10 animals at the same address across England and Wales – including 912 in the South East.
The charity today urged people considering adding a pet to their family to consider adopting to help free-up space in their overwhelmed centres.
Rising cruelty and neglect led to a six-year high of animals in RSPCA care, with almost half in emergency boarding because centres are full.
Many of these animals have been rescued from heartbreaking cruelty and neglect, and require extensive care and rehabilitation before they can be rehomed. Many of them are involved in legal cases, which can delay rehoming further.
RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said: “We are struggling with rising reports of cruelty and neglect and over recent years more and more of those reports will involve, 10, 20, even 100 animals. And because they’ve been living in large groups, they may need more support until they are ready to find a new home.
She added: “We currently have more animals in our care than space in our centres. These large animal rescues are adding to already overwhelmed animal centres and local charities.
“We really need help from animal lovers. If you are considering adding a pet to your home, please consider rescuing. We need extra special homes for some of our animals.”
Last year alone, the RSPCA responded to 1,752 mass cat incidents – almost five every single day, and 1,119 mass dog reports last year – that’s three every single day.
There were 75 large-scale incidents involving 100 or more animals being rescued from the same property last year alone – 13 of those included cats, and three included dogs. Many were multi-agency operations involving other charities and public bodies.
Cases of large numbers of animals being kept at one address can be linked to mental health struggles, the cost of living crisis, or breeders operating with poor practices. And RSPCA experts say that initially well-meaning individuals often see situations spiral out of control.
Recent multi-animal incidents that the RSPCA has been involved in include hundreds of animals – including dogs, horses, birds and cats – rescued from squalid conditions on a farm; a large number of pedigree cats rescued in poor health from one property; while last month 20 guinea pigs were signed over from a property in South England by someone struggling to cope.
More than 30 alpacas were recently rehomed in the Midlands when the owners were struggling to care for them – a job that needed outside help as the large number and size of these animals meant it was difficult to take them in at short notice. The RSPCA will reach out to other organisations when needed to get animals the help they need.
Earlier this month, the RSPCA and Metropolitan Police, alongside the local authority, rescued 25 Scottish Fold cats from a caravan in South London. They are all suffering from cartilage issues related to their breed. They are now in RSPCA care.
In December, the RSPCA assisted Devon and Cornwall Police by removing more than 100 cats, a dog and a tortoise from a three bed house. Working with other charities, all of the animals were successfully rehomed within three weeks.
Another recent example involved an incident where more than 250 poodle-cross dogs, all from the same property, (pictured above) were signed over to the Dogs Trust Charity. The numbers and living conditions of the dogs had rapidly grown out of control due to extenuating family circumstances*. The RSPCA took in 87 dogs, and the rest went to the Dogs Trust.
Sandy and Stevie at Southridge Animal Centre in Potters Bar, a lovable duo with an unbreakable bond. Stevie is both blind and deaf, and relies on Sandy for reassurance and guidance. Because they have such a strong bond, they are being rehomed together. Their ideal home will have a private secure garden, a clear, uncluttered home and calm, patient adopters.
Goofy Bagel at Blackberry Farm Animal Centre in buckinghamshire, who has a gentle soul and is waiting for the right home for her personality to shine. She would benefit from a calm, confident dog to show her the ropes.
Gentle soul Colby at Southridge Animal Centre is looking for an adult-only home to introduce him to the world – he needs a patient family to hold his paw. He is a cuddle bug who loves being the centre of attention.
Other animals rescued from multi-animal situations include:
Timid and gentle Guinea Pigs Basil and Parsley at Kent North West Branch who came from a large rescue that the branch helped RSPCA Inspectors with. They are sweet, chatty and nervous and would suit an indoor home.
Rogue and Mr Chin at RSPCA Canterbury and District branch came from a home with lots of other cats – but it’s clear they were best of friends and would like to be rehomed together.
