The RSPCA reveals neglect reports figures for Lincolnshire as its Join the Christmas Rescue campaign opens

A Christmas campaign is under way to help an animal welfare charity after it revealed figures for animal neglect in Lincolnshire.

The RSPCA said it receives a report of neglected animal every five minutes after new figures were published for the first 10 months of this year.

Up to the end of October, its emergency line received 43,360 reports of neglect, including 962 reports from Lincolnshire.

It was the 19th-highest figure among the 48 listed counties and regions.

There were 858 reports in neighbouring Nottinghamshire and 24 in Rutland, while Greater London had the highest number with 3,252.

The new statistics were released as part of the charity’s Join the Christmas Rescue campaign - aiming to support its frontline staff.

In the first 10 months of the year, the emergency line had been open for 3,474 hours, meaning it averaged 12-and-a-half calls about neglect every hour.

The number of reports of neglect the charity received nationally in October (4,387) was almost 15 per cent higher than the number in the corresponding month last year (3,818), and up on 2021 (4,186) and 2020 (3,931).

The data follows previous statistics suggesting calls about abandoned animals are at a three-year high, with the charity expecting to receive more than 21,400 calls about unwanted and dumped animals this year.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: “Thousands of animals’ lives are hanging in the balance this Christmas with animal neglect reports a real cause for concern – including in Lincolnshire.

“Across England and Wales, our emergency line is getting a call about a neglected animal every 288 seconds.

“Combine those levels of neglect with rising abandonments, the cost of living crisis, and the cold weather this winter, and we fear this could be a very bleak time for animals.

“This winter, our rescue teams are set to be very busy trying to help and reach so many neglected animals - which is why we need animal lovers to join the Christmas rescue now more than ever, and donate to help us be there for neglected animals in their time of need.”

To donate to the Christmas appeal, click here.

Meanwhile, the RSPCA has also helped a Lincolnshire wildlife centre with the rocketing cost of caring for its sick and injured wild animals.

Wild Things Rescue in Langrick received a £2,500 grant, one of 15 sent nationally to smaller independent wildlife centres.