150,000 animals rescued - it’s all in a year’s work for the RSPCA - RSPCA releases rescue figures for 2007

Whether it’s a hawk trapped in a tree, hamsters dumped in a plastic tub, cattle stranded in a flooded field or a dog left injured and abandoned – no animal is too big or too small for the RSPCA.

For the second year running - and for a variety of different reasons - the world’s largest animal welfare charity rescued nearly 150 thousand wild, exotic, farm and domestic animals from dangerous and distressing situations.

The rescue figures include a 23 per cent increase in the number of animals abandoned by their owners - from 5,959 in 2006 to 7,347 in 2007. Almost half of these were cats.

Typical examples of how animals were abandoned* in 2007 include:
• a litter of kittens dumped in a dustbin bag for refuse collectors (London)
• a rabbit abandoned in a box in a crushing machine at a recycling centre (Northallerton)
• a puppy dumped in a cardboard Cadbury's box on a street in Orpington (Kent)
• five hamsters abandoned in a plastic tub – two of which were dead – at the side of a road (Southampton)

And the worrying trend could be continuing. Just four months into 2008 the Society has already rescued 2,621 abandoned animals, including a three-legged cat with no tail dumped outside a Co-op store this month. (See case studies at the end of the release).

Equally concerning are some of the bizarre reasons given to the RSPCA by owners no longer wanting their pets, for example: “My dog hurts my legs when she wags her tail” and “my cat doesn’t match my new carpet.”

The RSPCA works around the clock to rescue thousands of animals every year from a wide range of distressing situations. The 2007 rescue figures also show:**
• a staggering 96 per cent increase in the number of farm animals rescued
• horse and pony rescues went up by 66 per cent
• rescues of wild mammals rose by 21 per cent
• A 20 per cent hike in the number of dogs rescued
• An increase of nearly 20 per cent in rescues of exotic animals
• For the second year more wild birds were rescued than any other species, followed by cats
• 23,758 more cats than dogs were rescued

This news comes at the start of RSPCA Week (28 April – 4 May) – the Society’s largest annual fundraising and awareness raising push.

Strictly embargoed until Monday 28 April 2008

Commenting on the figures Tim Wass, chief officer of the RSPCA inspectorate, said: “From birds injured by oil spills to stranded cattle, and cats in road traffic accidents to dogs simply abandoned by their owners, the RSPCA was on hand last year to help all types of animals whatever the emergency.

“Last summer we deployed the biggest number of RSPCA staff for a generation to the rescue of farm animals, horses and other much-loved pets from the severe floods that swept the country.

“Sadly we also noticed a rise in the number of animals callously abandoned. It is an offence to abandon any animal and there is never any excuse for doing so. If people have pets they cannot care for, for any reason, then help and advice is always available from the RSPCA.

“During RSPCA Week we want people to spare a thought for the many thousands of animals needing the RSPCA’s help each year and in particular for anyone thinking about getting a pet to consider the responsibility they are taking on before doing so.”

Throughout RSPCA Week staff and volunteers are holding events to raise much-needed cash for the Society’s 171 branches across England and Wales, and collections are taking place in Tesco stores. To find out more about the week and how you can help visit www.rspcaweek.org.uk

- The RSPCA’s Pet Adoption Week takes place from 7 – 15 June-
- The RSPCA’s annual cruelty statistics will be released on Wednesday 30 July

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1. Cat abandoned near Bristol – 16 April
The RSPCA is appealing for information after a cat was found abandoned outside a Co-op store in Portishead, near Bristol.

A member of the public found the cat, named Harry, in a dilapidated plastic pet carrier on Wednesday 16 April. The RSPCA was contacted and collected Harry, who has no tail and only three legs - an old injury which was probably the result of a road traffic accident.

Harry was found to be microchipped, meaning that the RSPCA was able to establish his name and that he is registered to an address in the Bradley Stoke area of Bristol.

However, his registered owners had left that address. Now the RSPCA is urging anyone with information about Harry’s owners or how he came to be abandoned to come forward.

Harry was found in a generally good condition, although his neck and front right leg have been shaved, suggesting he recently received veterinary treatment. He is being cared for at the RSPCA Bristol Cats and Dogs Home.

RSPCA Inspector John Norman, who is investigating, said: “There is never an excuse for abandoning an animal. There are many organisations available to help people who cannot care for their animals for whatever reason, including the RSPCA. It is important that anyone with information on how he came to be abandoned to come forward.”

2. Two cats abandoned at Birmingham animal centre – 14 April
Staff at the RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre have been stunned by two woman who callously cast aside their pet cats after saying they didn’t want them any more.

Felix and TC were cruelly dumped in their cat carriers in the car park at the Animal Centre on Monday 14 April, each with a note attached reading:

Dear Sir/Madam,
Unfortunately my owners can’t look after me, please take care of me. I am a cuddly cat who loves to give a lot of love and affection, I am placid in nature and housetrained.

The notes ask for the brothers to be rehomed together. The cats have been placed in a holding block at the animal centre as the cattery is temporarily closed.

Manager at Birmingham Animal Centre, Jackie Lines said: “Two woman came in on Monday asking if we could take in their cats which they no longer wanted. Unfortunately some of our cats are ill so until the cats recover our cattery is closed. We explained this to the woman and gave them a list of other animal charities that might be able to help them. We were later shocked to discover that the woman had simply dumped the cats in our car park.”

“It is extremely fortunate that the inspectors have a holding block at the centre where we keep animals in an emergency and this is where we have put the cats. It is callous and sad for any pet owner to abandon their animals in this way. Too many people appear to view their pets as disposable items which they can simply get rid of when they no longer want them. No-one should be taking on a pet if they can’t provide for that animal for its lifetime.”

3. Kitten abandoned in Braintree, Essex – 9 April
A tiny six-week-old kitten has been rescued by the RSPCA after being found dumped in a box outside Tesco in Braintree, Essex.

The grey and white male kitten was picked up by RSPCA Inspector Wendy Knowles on Wednesday 9 April in the early hours of the morning and taken to a vet for treatment for dehydration.

Inspector Knowles said: "It is extremely irresponsible to just dump an animal like this and anyone doing so can be liable for prosecution. This shows the importance of having cats neutered to prevent unwanted litters of kittens."

The kitten, named Simba, is still being treated at the vets but has been adopted by one of the nurses caring for him.

4. Cat abandoned in Aldershot – 27 March
An adult tortoiseshell cat was left alone to fend for itself at a property in Aldershot after its owner moved house.

The friendly longhaired cat – named Miss Polly by RSPCA staff – is thought to be about four-years-old. She is currently being cared for at the RSPCA’s animal centre in Millbrook, Chobham.

Claudia Corner, deputy manager of the RSPCA centre, said: “It’s awful that whoever owned Miss Polly could simply leave her behind when they moved house. Miss Polly is a pet cat that is used to being fed and cared for and it was totally irresponsible of her owner to leave her alone to fend for herself.

“There is no excuse for abandoning any animal. Anyone struggling to cope with their pet should call the RSPCA and ask for help and advice.”

5. Puppies abandoned in Birstall, near Batley, West Yorkshire – 1 March
Five tiny collie-type puppies were abandoned in Birstall near Batley on Saturday 1 March. Aged around six-weeks-old they were discovered by a member of the public on Field Head Lane. They were loose in a field close to a public footpath.

RSPCA inspector Mandi Barr attended the scene and found the pups to be bright, lively and in good bodily condition. They had no collars and hadn’t been microchipped. The pups were taken to the RSPCA Halifax & District Branch and have all found new homes.

RSPCA inspector Mandi Barr said: “It’s shocking that anyone could abandon any animal in this way, especially such young puppies. They were all in good physical condition, which suggests they may have once belonged to someone.

“Because they were found together it seems unlikely they found their own way there; it’s more probable they were deliberately left by the footpath. Had we not have been contacted so early the puppies could have come to all sorts of harm.”

• Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.


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1. Cat abandoned near Bristol – 16 April
The RSPCA is appealing for information after a cat was found abandoned outside a Co-op store in Portishead, near Bristol.

A member of the public found the cat, named Harry, in a dilapidated plastic pet carrier on Wednesday 16 April. The RSPCA was contacted and collected Harry, who has no tail and only three legs - an old injury which was probably the result of a road traffic accident.

Harry was found to be microchipped, meaning that the RSPCA was able to establish his name and that he is registered to an address in the Bradley Stoke area of Bristol.

However, his registered owners had left that address. Now the RSPCA is urging anyone with information about Harry’s owners or how he came to be abandoned to come forward.

Harry was found in a generally good condition, although his neck and front right leg have been shaved, suggesting he recently received veterinary treatment. He is being cared for at the RSPCA Bristol Cats and Dogs Home.

RSPCA Inspector John Norman, who is investigating, said: “There is never an excuse for abandoning an animal. There are many organisations available to help people who cannot care for their animals for whatever reason, including the RSPCA. It is important that anyone with information on how he came to be abandoned to come forward.”

2. Two cats abandoned at Birmingham animal centre – 14 April
Staff at the RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre have been stunned by two woman who callously cast aside their pet cats after saying they didn’t want them any more.

Felix and TC were cruelly dumped in their cat carriers in the car park at the Animal Centre on Monday 14 April, each with a note attached reading:

Dear Sir/Madam,
Unfortunately my owners can’t look after me, please take care of me. I am a cuddly cat who loves to give a lot of love and affection, I am placid in nature and housetrained.

The notes ask for the brothers to be rehomed together. The cats have been placed in a holding block at the animal centre as the cattery is temporarily closed.

Manager at Birmingham Animal Centre, Jackie Lines said: “Two woman came in on Monday asking if we could take in their cats which they no longer wanted. Unfortunately some of our cats are ill so until the cats recover our cattery is closed. We explained this to the woman and gave them a list of other animal charities that might be able to help them. We were later shocked to discover that the woman had simply dumped the cats in our car park.”

“It is extremely fortunate that the inspectors have a holding block at the centre where we keep animals in an emergency and this is where we have put the cats. It is callous and sad for any pet owner to abandon their animals in this way. Too many people appear to view their pets as disposable items which they can simply get rid of when they no longer want them. No-one should be taking on a pet if they can’t provide for that animal for its lifetime.”

3. Kitten abandoned in Braintree, Essex – 9 April
A tiny six-week-old kitten has been rescued by the RSPCA after being found dumped in a box outside Tesco in Braintree, Essex.

The grey and white male kitten was picked up by RSPCA Inspector Wendy Knowles on Wednesday 9 April in the early hours of the morning and taken to a vet for treatment for dehydration.

Inspector Knowles said: "It is extremely irresponsible to just dump an animal like this and anyone doing so can be liable for prosecution. This shows the importance of having cats neutered to prevent unwanted litters of kittens."

The kitten, named Simba, is still being treated at the vets but has been adopted by one of the nurses caring for him.

4. Cat abandoned in Aldershot – 27 March
An adult tortoiseshell cat was left alone to fend for itself at a property in Aldershot after its owner moved house.

The friendly longhaired cat – named Miss Polly by RSPCA staff – is thought to be about four-years-old. She is currently being cared for at the RSPCA’s animal centre in Millbrook, Chobham.

Claudia Corner, deputy manager of the RSPCA centre, said: “It’s awful that whoever owned Miss Polly could simply leave her behind when they moved house. Miss Polly is a pet cat that is used to being fed and cared for and it was totally irresponsible of her owner to leave her alone to fend for herself.

“There is no excuse for abandoning any animal. Anyone struggling to cope with their pet should call the RSPCA and ask for help and advice.”

5. Puppies abandoned in Birstall, near Batley, West Yorkshire – 1 March
Five tiny collie-type puppies were abandoned in Birstall near Batley on Saturday 1 March. Aged around six-weeks-old they were discovered by a member of the public on Field Head Lane. They were loose in a field close to a public footpath.

RSPCA inspector Mandi Barr attended the scene and found the pups to be bright, lively and in good bodily condition. They had no collars and hadn’t been microchipped. The pups were taken to the RSPCA Halifax & District Branch and have all found new homes.

RSPCA inspector Mandi Barr said: “It’s shocking that anyone could abandon any animal in this way, especially such young puppies. They were all in good physical condition, which suggests they may have once belonged to someone.

“Because they were found together it seems unlikely they found their own way there; it’s more probable they were deliberately left by the footpath. Had we not have been contacted so early the puppies could have come to all sorts of harm.”

• Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.


ends


1. Cat abandoned near Bristol – 16 April
The RSPCA is appealing for information after a cat was found abandoned outside a Co-op store in Portishead, near Bristol.

A member of the public found the cat, named Harry, in a dilapidated plastic pet carrier on Wednesday 16 April. The RSPCA was contacted and collected Harry, who has no tail and only three legs - an old injury which was probably the result of a road traffic accident.

Harry was found to be microchipped, meaning that the RSPCA was able to establish his name and that he is registered to an address in the Bradley Stoke area of Bristol.

However, his registered owners had left that address. Now the RSPCA is urging anyone with information about Harry’s owners or how he came to be abandoned to come forward.

Harry was found in a generally good condition, although his neck and front right leg have been shaved, suggesting he recently received veterinary treatment. He is being cared for at the RSPCA Bristol Cats and Dogs Home.

RSPCA Inspector John Norman, who is investigating, said: “There is never an excuse for abandoning an animal. There are many organisations available to help people who cannot care for their animals for whatever reason, including the RSPCA. It is important that anyone with information on how he came to be abandoned to come forward.”

2. Two cats abandoned at Birmingham animal centre – 14 April
Staff at the RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre have been stunned by two woman who callously cast aside their pet cats after saying they didn’t want them any more.

Felix and TC were cruelly dumped in their cat carriers in the car park at the Animal Centre on Monday 14 April, each with a note attached reading:

Dear Sir/Madam,
Unfortunately my owners can’t look after me, please take care of me. I am a cuddly cat who loves to give a lot of love and affection, I am placid in nature and housetrained.

The notes ask for the brothers to be rehomed together. The cats have been placed in a holding block at the animal centre as the cattery is temporarily closed.

Manager at Birmingham Animal Centre, Jackie Lines said: “Two woman came in on Monday asking if we could take in their cats which they no longer wanted. Unfortunately some of our cats are ill so until the cats recover our cattery is closed. We explained this to the woman and gave them a list of other animal charities that might be able to help them. We were later shocked to discover that the woman had simply dumped the cats in our car park.”

“It is extremely fortunate that the inspectors have a holding block at the centre where we keep animals in an emergency and this is where we have put the cats. It is callous and sad for any pet owner to abandon their animals in this way. Too many people appear to view their pets as disposable items which they can simply get rid of when they no longer want them. No-one should be taking on a pet if they can’t provide for that animal for its lifetime.”

3. Kitten abandoned in Braintree, Essex – 9 April
A tiny six-week-old kitten has been rescued by the RSPCA after being found dumped in a box outside Tesco in Braintree, Essex.

The grey and white male kitten was picked up by RSPCA Inspector Wendy Knowles on Wednesday 9 April in the early hours of the morning and taken to a vet for treatment for dehydration.

Inspector Knowles said: "It is extremely irresponsible to just dump an animal like this and anyone doing so can be liable for prosecution. This shows the importance of having cats neutered to prevent unwanted litters of kittens."

The kitten, named Simba, is still being treated at the vets but has been adopted by one of the nurses caring for him.

4. Cat abandoned in Aldershot – 27 March
An adult tortoiseshell cat was left alone to fend for itself at a property in Aldershot after its owner moved house.

The friendly longhaired cat – named Miss Polly by RSPCA staff – is thought to be about four-years-old. She is currently being cared for at the RSPCA’s animal centre in Millbrook, Chobham.

Claudia Corner, deputy manager of the RSPCA centre, said: “It’s awful that whoever owned Miss Polly could simply leave her behind when they moved house. Miss Polly is a pet cat that is used to being fed and cared for and it was totally irresponsible of her owner to leave her alone to fend for herself.

“There is no excuse for abandoning any animal. Anyone struggling to cope with their pet should call the RSPCA and ask for help and advice.”

5. Puppies abandoned in Birstall, near Batley, West Yorkshire – 1 March
Five tiny collie-type puppies were abandoned in Birstall near Batley on Saturday 1 March. Aged around six-weeks-old they were discovered by a member of the public on Field Head Lane. They were loose in a field close to a public footpath.

RSPCA inspector Mandi Barr attended the scene and found the pups to be bright, lively and in good bodily condition. They had no collars and hadn’t been microchipped. The pups were taken to the RSPCA Halifax & District Branch and have all found new homes.

RSPCA inspector Mandi Barr said: “It’s shocking that anyone could abandon any animal in this way, especially such young puppies. They were all in good physical condition, which suggests they may have once belonged to someone.

“Because they were found together it seems unlikely they found their own way there; it’s more probable they were deliberately left by the footpath. Had we not have been contacted so early the puppies could have come to all sorts of harm.”

• Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.