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Lincolnshire pet neglect cases rise by 22%

RSPCA A tricolour white, ginger and black fluffy cat perched on a grey cat climbing frame looking at the camera. You can see a gold sparkly decoration in the background.RSPCA
Between January and September, the RSPCA recorded 1,061 cases of animal neglect in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire has seen a rise in cases of pet neglect in the last year, according to RSPCA figures.

Between January and September, 1,061 incidents of animal neglect were reported in the county, a 22% increased compared with the same period in 2023.

Nationally, the RSPCA said there had been a 25% increase of pet neglect in the last year, with the emergency line taking a call every four minutes.

RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said people in "more rural areas" such as Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire can "have less access to support".

RSPCA A cute ginger and white dog with pointy ears laying on a red velvet blanket with a sprout Christmas toy ball next to it. It is looking into the camera and laid down with its two front paws stretched out in front of it.RSPCA
The RSPCA is concerned the problem could get worse due to financial hardship at Christmas

The RSPCA believes the statistics are due to an increase in pet ownership during Covid-19 and rising living costs.

The information was released as part of the charity's campaign, Join the Christmas Rescue, which aims to support frontline staff who work to save animals during the festive period.

'Startling increase'

RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said: "One call every four minutes is a frightening statistic. Coupled with this we have also seen a startling increase in abandonment cases up 30% in just three years."

She added: "We do see quite a high level of deprivation in our areas so animals are falling victim to people having less disposable income.

"People in more rural areas have less access to support."

Ms Hirst is encouraging the public to support its appeal, Join The Christmas Rescue, which she said would help to get animals the urgent treatment and care they need.

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