Anger as dumped animals increase

Dumped: This dog was found tied to a tree in the North West of England

The number of abandoned animals being left to starve in the cold has soared by over 67 per cent, Rochdale Online News can reveal.

Figures obtained from the RSPCA show over 3000 dumped animals in 2008 alone – 326 of which were from the area that covers the borough of Rochdale.

The animal welfare charity in the north dealt with 3,372 dumped animals in 2008, compared with 2,009 in 2007. That’s an average of nine animals abandoned every day of the year.

Nationally, the number is up by 57 per cent with a shocking 11,586 animals dumped across the country.

The number of calls from members of the public wanting to give up an animal is also up by over 50%.

The RSPCA said there is an increase in financial pressure as a result of the soar.

The charity has therefore decided to turn to the public for any help.

Alan Wolinski, the north regional manager for the RSPCA said: “Now more than ever we need the public’s support,” says. “it is a challenging time for the Society, but more importantly it is a crisis for the animals, and it’s only because of the public’s help that we’re able to do what we can.”

Typical examples of animals abandoned in the north of England include:

• An elderly Bichon Frise tied to a tree in woodland
• A puppy found shivering in a rocky, snow-covered cavity
• Three tiny puppies so small their umbilical cords were still attached dumped on a doorstep

A Rochdale RSPCA spokeswoman said: “The RSPCA is experiencing a substantial rise in demand and in some areas we are struggling to cope

“Our rescue centres are full of animals who need new loving owners as re-homing rates slow down and a rising number of animals come in".