"Animals are starving behind closed doors" - warning as pet neglect rises 21% in Cambridgeshire

New figures from the animal welfare charity show that up to the end of October this year, its emergency line received 927 reports from the county about neglected animals - compared to 768 in the same 10-month period last year.

In total in 2024 there were 890 reports about neglected animals in Cambridgeshire made to the RSPCA

The startling statistics highlight the challenges facing RSPCA rescuers amid what it calls “a worrying winter for animals”. The surge has led the charity to launch an urgent appeal - The Big Give Back to Animals - which is calling on animal lovers to help raise funds to help the charity’s rescuers cope with the rising demand.

One of the many animals rescued by the RSPCA currently looking for a home in Cambridgeshire is Wookie. The three-year-old husky x German shepherd mix is energetic and ready to start a new chapter with someone who'll show him what real home life feels like.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “Wookie hasn't had the easiest start, as he came from a home with many dogs where he spent a lot of time in a crate. But now the world is very exciting and full of brand-new things and he approaches all of them with curiosity and courage. Wookie is one smart cookie. He already knows sit, paw, and a handful of other tricks and he's eager to learn more especially if snacks are involved. If Wookie 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 rehoming site.”

RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne said: “The heartbreaking surge in neglect reports has already shattered our records, and we fear for what is to come over the winter months.”

Another of the animals rescued by the RSPCA is Jaffa who was found living in filthy conditions.

Simon said: “When we received a call from a worried member of the public, we went to investigate. Our rescuers found Jaffa, three other cats and a dog, living in squalor, surrounded by filth and mess. We found rotting food and poo everywhere. This wasn’t a safe environment for animals or humans. We visited but things didn't improve, so the animals were seized by police and passed into our care. Jaffa was underweight and covered in fleas. Once we treated her, she was fostered with her brother Fin.

“Our emergency teams are under real pressure - but we'll keep being there for animals experiencing cruelty and neglect. That’s why The Big Give Back to Animals is raising funds for our officers on the frontline.

“In addition to responding on the frontline for animals, as a charity we’re doing all we can to keep animals in loving homes. We’ve launched an online cost-of-living hub, and expanded our pet food bank partnerships. But this vital work is only made possible by the kindness of our supporters. Every single donation goes directly toward building a better world for every kind of animal.”

Details on the ‘Big Give Back to Animals’ appeal can be found on the RSPCA’s website.