The UK is facing a devastating epidemic of pet abandonment, with new figures from the RSPCA revealing a sharp 25% increase in England and Wales alone during 2025 compared to the previous year.
A National Crisis Unfolds
This alarming rise represents the highest level of pet abandonment witnessed in at least five years. The crisis is not confined to England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have also reported significant hikes in the number of animals being deserted by their owners.
Simon Osbourne, an RSPCA superintendent, stated: “We have seen a dramatic and heartbreaking rise in abandonments this year. With winter upon us, with plummeting temperatures and dark nights, we fear things could get even harder. There’s an epidemic of animal abandonment and neglect.”
The Shocking Statistics and Stories
Frightening data from the charity shows that 24,270 abandonment incidents were reported to the RSPCA's emergency line in the first ten months of 2025, up by nearly 5,000 from the same period in 2024.
Among the most harrowing recent cases was a litter of seven ten-week-old terrier-cross puppies. They were found dumped outside the gates of the RSPCA’s Doncaster and Rotherham branch during Storm Claudia, terrified and crammed into a metal cage without any food or water.
Daniel Cartwright, the branch manager, said: “It is heartbreaking to think that someone has just discarded them like this. We would urge anyone who is struggling to look after their animals to seek help and support when their pet first needs help, rather than simply abandoning an animal in their moment of need.”
Underlying Causes and Seeking Solutions
The RSPCA believes the primary driver behind this surge is the ongoing cost of living crisis, which is making it difficult for many to afford pet food and essential veterinary care. A recent survey by the charity found that seven in ten pet owners are worried about the costs of caring for their animals, with one-fifth specifically concerned about how they will afford it.
In response, a network of pet food banks has been established across the country. The RSPCA has also launched a dedicated online resource offering practical advice on how to manage the financial burden of pet ownership.
The charity has also pointed to a secondary factor: the rise in pet ownership during the Covid-19 pandemic. With many people now returning to offices and other face-to-face work environments, some are finding it challenging to provide adequate care for the pets they acquired during lockdowns.
