RSPCA braces itself for a summer of dumped pets after 138 calls in Bedfordshire last year

Charity fears impact of Covid and financial downturn will see owners abandon more animals
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The RSPCA is bracing itself for a surge in abandoned animals and fears the fallout from the Covid crisis could see more owners struggling to keep their pets.

Typically, the charity sees abandonment peak in the summer months - with 138 reports about dumped animals in Bedfordshire last year.

The RSPCA is braced for an even bigger impact this summer following the easing of lockdown and the financial impact on the coronavirus pandemic, and has unveiled an emergency appeal.

This abandoned mum and kittens have all since been rehomed to loving new familiesThis abandoned mum and kittens have all since been rehomed to loving new families
This abandoned mum and kittens have all since been rehomed to loving new families

In May, we revealed how the RSPCA had received reports of 18 abandoned animals in the county during lockdown.Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA’s animal rescue teams, said: “During lockdown we’ve seen pets become a source of comfort and support for people and it appears many people have taken on new animals. Fortunately during this time we’ve dealt with fewer abandoned pets however we are worried that as lockdown eases, people return to work, go on holidays or struggle financially we will be facing a massive surge of animal abandonments.

Dermot added: “Sadly summer tends to bring with it a surge in abandoned animals.”

One of the incidents the RSPCA dealt with last year involved the rescue of a mum cat and her five kittens on Mother’s Day, after she gave birth to the litter among a pile of rubbish in an underground area near to a hotel in Luton.

Thankfully, a member of the public heard a faint sound of meowing near the area, and when they went to investigate they discovered the mum and her kittens - which had clearly only just been born.

Dermot continued: “I’d urge anyone struggling with their pet to ask for help. Animals have been there to help us through the crisis, please don’t abandon them now.”

What people can do if they’re struggling to care for their pets:

*Ask friends and family for help

*Contact your vet about payment plans, discounts or vouchers for neutering or any other treatment needed

*Get in touch with local rehoming charities for advice

To help the RSPCA continue to rescue animals, visit here

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