Dog owners in England warned over 'heartbreaking' epidemic sweeping UK
Dog owners in England warned over 'heartbreaking' epidemic sweeping UKDog owners in England have been warned over a "heartbreaking" epidemic which is sweeping the country. Dog and cat abandonment issues have soared in the UK - as owners struggle with the cost of living.The RSPCA says pet abandonments in England and Wales rose by almost 25% in 2025 compared with 2024. The RSPCA’s superintendent, Simon Osborne, said: “We have seen a dramatic and heartbreaking rise in abandonments this year."With winter upon us, with plummeting temperatures and dark nights, we fear things could get even harder. There’s an epidemic of animal abandonment and neglect.”READ MORE UK households with pension pots urged to make quick check for £13,620Daniel Cartwright, the branch manager, said: “It is heartbreaking to think that someone has just discarded them like this. We would urge anyone who is struggling to look after their animals to seek help and support when their pet first needs help, rather than simply abandoning an animal in their moment of need.”RSPCA hospital’s director, Áine Maguire, said: “We can see from our CCTV that the person arrived at 4.06am on foot and left him outside the main front door.”In August a hamster was found dumped in a cage near bins in Slough. The animal, named Nibbles, has since been rehomed.In Dorset, a dog called Honey who was abandoned in a squalid property, was successfully adopted after months of care.Last winter alone saw nearly 6,000 cases nationwide, including 34 in Berkshire and 53 in Dorset, and the RSPCA fears this winter could be the worst in at least six years.Mr Osborne says "times are tough" and "animals are paying the price". He described it as "an epidemic of animal abandonment and neglect".The RSPCA says economic pressures and the cost-of-living crisis are driving the rise in cases.The RSCPA has launched an urgent appeal, The Big Give Back to Animals, to raise funds for frontline officers.
