Animals paying 'ultimate price' in tough times

THE RSPCA has warned that "animals are starving behind closed doors", as new figures reveal a sharp rise in neglect cases across the country.

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Staffordshire has seen a 21 per cent increase in reports of animal neglect this year, with 1,306 incidents recorded in the first ten months of 2025, compared to 1,080 over the same period last year.

Across England and Wales, the charity received 73,294 reports of neglect up to the end of October - a 30 per cent rise on 2024.

The RSPCA says the figures show a growing animal welfare crisis as winter pressures mount.

In total in 2024 there were 1,286 reports about neglected animals in Staffordshire made to the RSPCA.

To cope with rising demand, the charity has launched an urgent fundraising appeal, The Big Give Back to Animals, urging the public to support frontline rescue work.

One of the animals currently looking for a home in Staffordshire is Socks - an 11-year-old cat abandoned by his owner and now being cared for at RSPCA Stapeley Grange.

Staff say he is a gentle, affectionate cat who would thrive in a quiet home and enjoys human company and outdoor space.

The charity says cases like Socks' are becoming increasingly common as more pets are left without food, care or veterinary treatment.