A neglected animal is reported to the RSPCA every five minutes — as shocking new statistics highlight how busy the charity’s rescuers are on the frontline, with the Isle of Wight contributing to a winter crisis.
New figures from the animal welfare charity show that, up to the end of October, its dedicated emergency line had received 43,360 reports of neglect.
The Isle of Wight RSPCA alone received 116 reports about neglected animals in the first 10 months of this year.
The distressing new statistics have been released as part of the charity's Join the Christmas Rescue campaign — aiming to support its frontline staff ahead of what could be a "bleak” winter season for pets and other animals.
In the first ten months of the year, the line had been open for 3,474 hours - meaning it averages 12.5 calls about neglect every single hour, or one report every 288 seconds.
The number of reports the charity had about neglect in October (4,387) - was also higher than the number in that month of 2022 (3,818), 2021 (4,186) and 2020 (3,931) - with incidents shooting up up an eye-watering 14.9% compared to last year.
The data follows previous statistics suggesting calls about abandoned animals are at a three-year high, with the charity expecting to receive more than 21,400 calls about unwanted and dumped animals this year too.
Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said:
“Thousands of animals' lives are hanging in the balance this Christmas with animal neglect reports a real cause for concern - including from the Isle of Wight.
“Across England and Wales, our emergency line is getting a call about a neglected animal every 288 seconds.
“But there is hope. Our frontline officers work tirelessly to bring neglected animals to safety - and it's the kind-hearted public who power these rescue efforts."
Pixie Needs Festive Cheers
One of the many animals rescued by the RSPCA is currently looking for a home on the Isle of Wight
Pixie is the most loving little cat who just wants companionship and her own family to cuddle up with.
She loves sitting in your lap and getting all the attention. Pixie has had a bit of a tough time.
When she arrived in RSPCA care she was in need of some medical treatment which included amputating her ears due to having cancerous tips.
Despite all of this Pixie has been loving throughout and is living a much happier and bright life.
Pixie enjoys her cat naps and laying in her cosy beds, but also has a playful side.
She is looking for a home via the team at RSPCA Isle of Wight Branch and there is more information on her rehoming profile.
If Pixie isn’t the right match for you, there are more rescue animals who have been saved from cruelty and neglect in search of a home on the RSPCA Find-a-pet page.
This year the RSPCA is asking supporters to join the Christmas Rescue by donating to help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.
Plans To Replace 'Half-Built Eyesore' With New Seafront Café Divides Opinion
Isle Of Wight MP Weighs In On School Closures Row
Plans To Use Five Shanklin Homes For Parenting Courses Provoke Outcry
Conference On Supporting Vulnerable Children To Be Held In Newport Next Month
Ventnor Town Council Could Scrap "Vital" Beach Safety Project
What Is Devolution... And What Happens Now?
Sloop Inn Works Scheme And Name Change Shelved After Parish Council Opposition
SpaMedica: UK Leading NHS Cataract Surgery Opens Diagnostic Clinic On Isle Of Wight
Island MPs' Gaping Devolution Divide Shows No Sign Of Narrowing
Liz Earle Head Office In Ryde Set For Closure With Staff Set To Face Redundancy
"Local Control Of Key Decisions": Council Leader Defends Controversial Devolution Plans
Three 'Affordable' New Flats Could Be Built On First Floor Of Former Dessert Shop
Isle Of Wight Council Unveils 2025/26 Budget With Five Per Cent Council Tax Rise In The Pipeline
Isle Of Wight Elections To Be Delayed Until May 2026
Three-Bed House Could Be Built Within Grounds Of Neglected Ventnor Hotel
Warning Issued Over Smart Pass Scam
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards Naturezones Wildlife Education Trust £72,400
Man Charged As Part Of Child Sex Offence Investigation On The Isle Of Wight
Iconic Isle Of Wight Footbridge To Be Replaced
Southern Water Gurnard Works Underway To Make Roads Greener And Reduce Storm Overflows
