THE RSPCA is braced for a surge of abandoned and neglected animals this winter following an increase in pet ownership during lockdown.

During the pandemic, pet ownership surged with estimates of more than 3.2m people taking on new pets.

Last winter, 44 incidents of abandonment and 131 cases of neglect of animals in Dorset were reported from December 2020 to February 2021.

With the return to work, the end of furlough and the worrying rise in house prices and energy bills as we get closer to Christmas, the RSPCA fear the increased stress and pressures will see a rise in abandonment, neglect and even abuse of animals.

Dermot Murphy, who heads the RSPCA frontline rescue teams, said officers will be saving animals across England and Wales throughout the festive season, including Christmas Day.

He said: “Our frontline rescue teams are braced for the worst this Christmas. We usually see two types of pet abandonment at Christmas and both are heartbreaking.

“Every year we get reports of people leaving their pets while they visit family and friends. This year is a four day holiday and many people will want to make-up for not being able to see family and friends so some animals will be left for days on their own to fend for themselves.

“It’s not acceptable to simply leave extra food and water for most pets if you are going away.”

Dermot added: “It’s a sad reality that some pets will be turned out on the streets this Christmas and we are braced for even more of that happening as the bills are rising, there are presents to buy or the commitment needed to own a pet becomes too much.

“Please never abandon a pet. Don’t be too proud to ask for help.”

The RSPCA is the only charity with rescue teams out saving all types of neglected and abandoned animals across England and Wales this festive season.

It will cost £245 a day to keep a frontline rescuer on the road this Christmas, to donate visit the RSPCA website.