Appeal to animal lovers amid warning of 30% rise in pet neglect in Bedfordshire

They are among many pets rescued by the RSPCA and currently looking for a home in Bedfordshire as part of a new ‘The Big Give Back to Animals’ urgent appeal.

It’s calling on animal lovers to help raise vital funds to help the charity cope with rising demand for help following a sharp rise in neglect of animals.

Up to the end of October, the RSPCA emergency line received 73,294 reports of neglect in England and Wales.

In Bedfordshire alone, the charity received 619 reports about neglected animals in the first 10 months of this year – a heartbreaking 30% rise compared to 475 in the same period last year. In total in 2024 there were 569 neglect reports to the RSPCA in Bedfordshire.

Ozzy and Sharon, a bonded pair of young sibling cats, around 12 to 18 months old, were rescued by the RSPCA and are currently looking for a home in Bedfordshire.

A spokesperson said: “Sadly, the young cats were surrendered when their previous owners became homeless and spent a short time living in a car. Despite their tough start, these two have remained the sweetest souls - gentle, affectionate, and full of love to give. They adore being petted, cuddled, and even picked up, and their playful, youthful energy is sure to bring plenty of joy to their new home. Ozzy and Sharon must be adopted together, as they share a close bond and find comfort in each other’s company.”

If Sharon and Ozzy aren't the right match for you, there are more rescue animals who have been saved from cruelty and neglect and are seeking a home on the RSPCA rehoming site.

RSPCA superintendent, Simon Osborne, said: “Animals are facing shocking levels of neglect right now – they are often starving behind closed doors and being left without the treatment they urgently need. The truth is, times are desperately tough – and innocent animals are tragically the ones paying the ultimate price.

“The heartbreaking surge in neglect reports has already shattered our records, and we fear for what is to come over the winter months.

“These are not just statistics; behind the staggering numbers are individual animals, all who desperately need and deserve our help to survive. It’s unbearable to see the pain in their eyes but that’s the reality facing our so many animals and our rescuers fighting to save their lives.”

Another cat rescued from neglect by the RSPCA is Jaffa.

Simon added: “Jaffa’s life was once very different. 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.

“The animals were surrounded by filth and mess. We found rotting food and poo everywhere. The smell was eyewatering. 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 along with her brother Fin.

“Since then, Jaffa and Fin have found their ideal forever home together – but many other animals are still facing neglect this winter.

But despite the challenges he RSPCA says there is hope with its The Big Give Back to Animals appeal – a rallying cry for animal lovers to help raise vital funds.

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

More information on the RSPCA’s ‘Big Give Back to Animals’ appeal are available on the charity’s website.