The number of animals abandoned in Hertfordshire has increased by 12 per cent since the cost of living crisis began. 

Figures released by the RSPCA show that there were 252 reports of abandonment in Hertfordshire in 2023, compared to 226 reports in 2021.

Narla was brought into the RSPCA’s Southridge Animal Centre in Potters Bar by a member of the public after being found with her sister, Ava, abandoned outside the gates in November 2023.

Claire Hoffman, a behaviour and welfare advisor at the centre, said: "A man came into the centre and said he’d found both dogs running around in the lane just outside our gates. They were underweight and had no microchip or collar tags on."

Staff quickly spotted that Narla was missing her front left paw, so took the dogs in to check she hadn’t suffered any cruelty or deliberate injury. Vets determined that she’d been born without her paw. 

Claire added: "She copes really well without her paw - she’s so fast and zooms around our off-lead paddock. She runs, jumps and plays as if she has all four paws!"

Ava has since been rehomed, but two-year-old Narla is still waiting to find her forever home. 

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The RSPCA believes the surge in pet ownership during the Covid-19 lockdown, and the increasing financial hardships due to soaring living costs have led to the increase in people dumping their pets.

Sadly now, during the winter months, the RSPCA expects the crisis to worsen as more people struggle with the increase in expenditure around Christmas time, with presents to buy and extra food shopping - coupled with an increase in energy bills.

RSPCA chief inspector Ian Briggs said:  “Our rescuers are regularly coming across dogs in poor health, collapsed and left in isolated spots to suffer a lingering death; sick kittens discarded in cardboard boxes who are lucky to be found alive; or pet rabbits dumped in the wild with little chance of survival against predators.

“With the cost of living crisis, we are also seeing people having to move out of properties due to financial pressures, and we are increasingly coming across pets who have been left locked in homes alone after their owners have moved out.

“Heartbreakingly, we are seeing many pets left in their own filth, with no food or water, no-one to care for them, and no idea if anyone will come to help them.

“Thanks to the public supporting us, we are able to rescue many animals, rehabilitate them and find them new homes, but to continue this life-saving work we need your help.”

The RSPCA has launched its Join The Christmas Rescue campaign. 

Ian said: “Right now, far too many animals are suffering behind closed doors, but, as long as animals are in desperate need this Christmas, we won’t stop. 

“So, please Join the Christmas Rescue and together we will bring joy and safety to animals. For thousands of terrified and injured animals, we’ll turn the worst suffering into the best Christmas yet."

For those who find themselves struggling, the RSPCA has launched a dedicated cost of living hub to signpost the help out there for owners. Visit rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/costofliving.

The charity also has more than 200 Pet Food Bank Partnerships across the country to support struggling pet owners. Visit rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/costofliving/foodbank.