Pet neglect in South Yorkshire on the rise as RSPCA warns 'animals are starving behind closed doors'
Latest figures have revealed that pet neglect is on the rise in South Yorkshire, prompting one of the nation’s biggest animal charities to call for increased awareness.
In South Yorkshire alone, the RSPCA received 2,016 reports about neglected pets in the first 10 months of 2025.
The staggering figure is a heartbreaking rise of 29 per cent from the same time period in 2024, when 1,562 reports were made.
RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne 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.”
The pet neglect surge has led the charity to launch what they describe as an ‘urgent appeal’ - The Big Give Back to Animals - which is calling on animal lovers to help raise vital funds to help the charity’s rescuers cope with rising demand for help.
Simon added: “Our emergency teams are under real pressure - but we'll keep being there for animals experiencing the worst cruelty and neglect. That’s why The Big Give Back to Animals is raising funds for our officers on the frontline.
“In addition to responding on the frontline for animals, as a charity we’re doing all we can to keep animals in loving homes. Amid the tough financial climate, we’ve committed extra funding to crisis measures; launched an online cost of living hub, and expanded our pet food bank partnerships. But this vital work is only made possible by the kindness and generosity of our supporters. Every single donation goes directly toward building a better world for every kind of animal.”
A number of animals are currently being cared for by the charity, as they search for permanent homes.
One such potential pet is Belle, who spent most of her time in kennels before arriving at the RSPCA Sheffield Branch Animal Centre, leaving her with a lack of socialisation.
Belle has been working with a behaviourist and she is said to be doing well, however is looking for a new family who will keep up her plan and continue this in the new home.
She can be unsure of new people and situations and so we need a home that will allow Belle to live life at her pace without added pressures and teach her how fun life can be but in a way that she is comfortable with.
Cats Jaffa and Fin found their permanent homes after being saved from filthy conditions by the RSPCA.
“When we received a call from a worried member of the public, we went to investigate. Our rescuers found Jaffa, three other cats and a dog, living in squalor,” Simon added.
“The animals were surrounded by filth and mess. We found rotting food and poo everywhere. The smell was eyewatering. This wasn’t a safe environment for animals or humans. We visited but things didn't improve, so the animals were seized by police and passed into our care.
“Jaffa was underweight and covered in fleas. Once we treated her, she was fostered along with her brother Fin.
“Since then, Jaffa and Fin have found their ideal forever home together - but many other animals are still facing neglect this winter. But despite the challenges there is hope. The Big Give Back to Animals is a rallying cry for animal lovers to help us, help animals this winter as we try to raise vital funds to enable our rescuers to be there when they are needed most.
“Every year, we secure loving homes for tens of thousands and rescue countless animals from desperate cruelty and neglect but we need help to rescue, heal and protect the rising number of mistreated animals in desperate need of urgent care.”
A list of animals looking for homes - as well as details on how to support the Big Give Back to Animals appeal - can be found on the RSPCA website here.