Abandoned pet 'epidemic' is due to cost of living crisis, says RSPCA

Dogs, cats and other pets are being abandoned in “epidemic” proportions as owners struggle to cope with the cost of living crisis, the UK's largest animal welfare charity has warned.

- Steven Morris

The RSPCA said abandonments in England and Wales had risen by almost 25% in 2025 compared with last year, reaching their highest rate for at least five years.

Animal charities in Scotland and Northern Ireland have also seen a rise in abandonments and organisations across the UK are worried there could be a further surge this winter.

The RSPCA’s operational superintendent, Simon Osborne, said: “We have seen a dramatic rise in abandonments. With winter upon us, things could get even harder. There’s an epidemic of abandonment and neglect.”