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RSPCA launches charity appeal as neglect cases rise
Bella is one of many dogs which benefit from donations made to the RSPCA.
It has reported a 30 per cent increase in pet neglect cases.

The RSPCA has launched an urgent charity appeal, after reports revealed a 30 per cent increase on pet neglect cases compared to 2024.

Up until the end of October, the charity’s emergency line received 73,294 reports of neglect in England and Wales.

This latest finding follows data released by RSPCA last month, which found that animal abandonment has similarly risen this year. Incidents reported to the RSPCA increased by 23 per cent in the first 10 months of the year, totalling 24,270 incidents by the end of October.

In response to these statistics the RSPCA has launched The Big Give Back to Animals.

The urgent appeal calls for donations to support the RSPCA team to cope with rising demands for help. This includes the charity’s rescue efforts, veterinary care, specialist behavioural training, and day-to-day care.

Alongside its daily animal rescue work, the RSPCA says it is committing extra funding to crisis measures, including a cost-of-living hub and expanded pet food bank partnerships.

Simon Osborne, RSPCA superintendent, 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.”

Donations to RSPCA’s Big Give Back to Animals can be made here.

Image © RSPCA

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.