Charity

RSPCA reports highest number of abandonments since pandemic

Published

12 months ago

March 24, 2025

Animal welfare crisis ‘still felt on huge scale’ five years after first lockdown

FIVE years on from the first UK lockdown, the RSPCA says the legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a profound impact on animal welfare — with record levels of abandonment and rising concerns over pet care.

The charity says it is still dealing with the fallout from an increase in impulse pet purchases during lockdown, limited socialisation opportunities for young animals, and the ongoing cost of living crisis — all of which have placed “enormous challenges” on pets, owners, and rescue services.

Abandonment at record high

Last year, the RSPCA received 22,503 reports of animal abandonment — the highest annual figure since the pandemic began.

With rescue centres stretched beyond capacity, the charity is currently paying for 1,220 animals to be housed in private boarding while they wait for a space at one of its facilities.

Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of Companion Animals at the RSPCA, said: “While many pets found amazing new homes during the pandemic, we know not all animals were so lucky.

“The boredom of lockdown, and people’s temporarily changed lifestyles — including increased loneliness — may have led to a surge in impulse pet purchases. Sadly, as the reality of veterinary bills, behavioural issues, and juggling care with work set in, some owners were no longer willing or able to cope, and in some cases turned to extreme measures like abandonment.”

She added: “Five years on from that first lockdown announcement, the impact for animals is still being felt on a huge scale.”

Behavioural and health concerns

The effects of lockdown restrictions were not limited to abandonment. Routine veterinary care — including neutering, microchipping, and health check-ups — was often delayed, and vital socialisation opportunities for young pets were missed.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, there were 44,900 Google searches in the UK for “Can I give my dog paracetamol?”, raising concerns that more people are turning to self-treatment rather than seeking professional advice.

Dr Gaines explained: “Socialisation and structured training are critical for young dogs, but during lockdown, puppy classes and group activities were unavailable. We are now seeing the behavioural issues that resulted from that, and many owners are struggling.”

The charity also urged local councils during the pandemic to ease Public Spaces Protection Orders to help people access walking areas, but long-term issues around accessing and affording care have persisted.

“With vets halting non-urgent procedures during the pandemic, some owners may have become used to skipping appointments or trying to self-prescribe — especially now with the cost of living so high,” said Dr Gaines.

Cost of living pressures

The cost of living crisis, which experts say was exacerbated by the pandemic, continues to impact pet owners.

According to the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index:

36% of pet owners changed their behaviour due to financial pressure in the past year.
15% said they regretted owning a pet in 2024.
78% said it is now more expensive to care for their animals.

Dr Gaines said: “The crisis has been one of the most challenging events for companion animal welfare in recent memory. We’ve created a cost of living support hub and expanded our Pet Food Bank scheme — but it’s still incredibly tough for many families.”

Changing attitudes among younger people

The RSPCA also expressed concern over shifting attitudes towards animals, particularly among younger people.

The Animal Kindness Index found those aged 18-24 were:

Less likely to identify as animal lovers (57% compared to 68% overall),
More likely to accept dressing up animals for fun (33% vs. 16%),
More tolerant of breeding animals with genetic health issues (14% vs. 7%),
More accepting of animals being used in TV entertainment (23% vs. 16%).

Pandemic chicken trend turns sour

The impact has also extended beyond pets. Poultry ownership saw a brief spike during the pandemic, with many households taking on chickens as a “lockdown fad.” However, the RSPCA has since received reports of chickens being abandoned as the novelty wore off.

Beth Winspear, from the charity’s farm animals team, said: “Chickens can make wonderful companions, but some owners didn’t realise the level of care needed. Sadly, some birds were simply abandoned.”

Encouraging people to make compassionate food choices has also become more difficult as households cut costs.

“Despite economic pressures, we’re still seeing strong support for higher welfare meat, eggs, and dairy,” said Ms Winspear. “Two-thirds of consumers say they try to buy higher welfare produce, and sales of RSPCA Assured products continue to grow. Even small swaps can make a real difference.”

Signs of hope

Despite the challenges, the RSPCA believes that “people power” can help create a kinder future for animals.

Polling shows 68% of Brits consider themselves animal lovers, and many are taking action to help — from adopting rescue pets to supporting campaigns and sharing animal welfare advice.

Dr Gaines said: “While it’s been a tough five years for animals, there are so many ways people can make a positive difference. From volunteering to backing campaigns and choosing rescue pets, we can create a world where all animals are treated with compassion.”

The charity is also urging members of the public to take part in its consultation on the future of animal welfare.

Animal Futures: The Big Conversation invites people to share their vision for a better world for animals and humans alike. More information is available on the RSPCA website.

Let me know if you’d like a shortened version for web or a radio script version too.

Charity

A cappella group hits the right note for lifesaving charity

Published

6 days ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire singers raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance during 25th anniversary year

A PEMBROKESHIRE a cappella group has been praised for supporting a lifesaving service during a landmark year for the charity.

The “Barnhowlers” recently busked at Cardigan Guildhall Market, raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance as it marks its 25th anniversary.

Since its first flight on March 1, 2001, the service has carried out more than 56,000 missions across Wales, delivering critical care to patients wherever it is needed.

Pam Jones, 74, who lives near Fishguard, said the cause was close to many people’s hearts.

“Most people know someone who has needed the Wales Air Ambulance,” she said.

“I know two people who are thankfully still with us because they received critical care from the service. It makes an incredible difference to patient outcomes.”

The Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service, bringing hospital-standard treatment directly to patients at the scene. If required, crews can transfer patients straight to the most appropriate hospital for their condition.

The service operates through a partnership between the public and third sectors, relying on public donations to raise the £13 million needed each year to keep helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

Highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners are provided by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), enabling advanced treatments such as anaesthesia, blood transfusions and even minor operations to be carried out at the scene.

As a pan-Wales service, its crews travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency care, regardless of where they are based.

Pam said the Barnhowlers take pride in performing for causes that make a real difference.

“There is nothing quite like coming together to sing some of our favourite songs, knowing that we are also making a difference,” she said.

Formed in 2011, the group began as a barbershop ensemble and has since evolved into a versatile a cappella group performing a wide range of music.

“We like to mix it up, performing songs from The Beatles and Duke Ellington to Thomas Tallis and Disney,” Pam added. “We want to entertain people, and we love it when the audience joins in.”

The group performs regularly at community events, including the Friendship Circle, gardening clubs, Parkinson’s support groups and the Fishguard Folk Festival. They have also supported local food banks and other health-related charities.

“Local nursing homes seem to like us too,” Pam said. “We bring a bit of cheer and take people down memory lane.”

Barnhowlers have several performances lined up throughout the spring and summer, including a concert in aid of the Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire.

Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager Mike May thanked the group for their support.

“We are so grateful to the Barnhowlers for using the power of music to shine a light on local causes,” he said.

“They entertained the crowds at Cardigan Guildhall Market in aid of Wales Air Ambulance. Every pound raised will help save lives. Diolch yn fawr.”

Charity

Child abuse image offences rise in Wales as NSPCC calls for real-time tech safeguards

Published

6 days ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE NSPCC has called for mandatory technology to block child sexual abuse images in real time after new figures revealed more than 1,200 offences were recorded by police forces in Wales in the past year.

Data obtained by the children’s charity shows that 1,287 offences involving indecent images of children were logged by Dyfed-Powys, Gwent and North Wales Police between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025.

The figure represents a 3% increase on the previous year, when 1,244 offences were recorded.

Across the UK, almost 37,000 offences involving child sexual abuse images were recorded by police during the same period, according to the NSPCC.

The charity said the figures demonstrate the urgent need for technology companies to introduce stronger protections for children using smartphones and social media.

It is calling on tech firms to install systems on children’s devices that would automatically block nude images from being created, shared or viewed, stopping abuse before it happens.

If companies fail to act, the NSPCC says the UK Government should make such safeguards mandatory.

Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the NSPCC, said: “It is utterly indefensible that we are still seeing around 100 child sexual abuse image offences recorded every single day.

“Children across the UK are being completely failed by tech companies that should be protecting them online.

“Behind every one of these offences is a child who has been groomed, abused and manipulated. They are left to carry the trauma while tech companies continue to profit.”

The NSPCC said many of these crimes take place on social media platforms.

Of the 10,811 offences where police recorded the platform used, Snapchat accounted for the largest share at 43% of cases, followed by Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook.

The charity warned that end-to-end encryption used by some platforms may hide the true scale of abuse, making it harder for authorities to detect crimes.

Young people contacting Childline have described the devastating consequences of images being shared online.

One teenager told counsellors he was forced to move schools after a nude image he shared was leaked and used to blackmail him.

The NSPCC said 685 Childline counselling sessions last year involved concerns about online sexual abuse or exploitation, including threats to share intimate images.

The charity is urging ministers to go further in protecting children online, arguing that stronger safeguards are needed beyond proposals such as banning children from social media.

South Wales Police did not provide complete data for the latest figures, meaning the total number of offences recorded across Wales may be higher.

Charity

Car dealership smash cycling spin challenge target

Published

1 week ago

March 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

STAFF at OC Davies used pedal power to cycle an incredible 453 miles as part of a fundraising event marking two major anniversaries.

The Cardigan-based dealership is celebrating 40 years as a Renault dealer in 2026, while the Wales Air Ambulance marked its 25th anniversary on St David’s Day (Mar 1).

To celebrate the milestones – and the launch of the new vehicle registration plate – the dealership held a community open day at its Cardigan site, raising £2,102 for the lifesaving charity.

As part of the event, staff and supporters took on a spin bike challenge to cycle the equivalent of 104 miles – the distance between OC Davies’ three dealerships in Cardigan, Neyland and Carmarthen.

However, the participants far exceeded expectations.

During the 12-hour challenge, which ran from 8:00am to 8:00pm, a total of 37 people took part and collectively cycled an impressive 453 miles.

Over the years, OC Davies has now raised more than £6,600 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.

Nicola Lewis from OC Davies said: “We are incredibly proud to have raised £2,102. This fantastic amount exceeded all our expectations and shows just how supportive our community has been.

“The success of the event has inspired us to keep the momentum going and continue raising money for Wales Air Ambulance throughout the rest of the year.

“We currently have an Easter egg lucky dip running in the dealership and we’re also planning to raise further funds later in the summer at some outdoor events we’ll be taking part in.”

More than 200 visitors attended the open day and around 900 tickets were sold for a grand raffle.

Prizes were donated by local businesses including The Cliff Hotel & Spa, Tom Samways Butchers, U Melt Me, Tonnau, Theatr Mwldan, Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, and The Queen’s Hall.

Additional prizes were also donated by the Scarlets and Swansea City FC.

Nicola added: “The open day was wonderfully supported by local businesses and members of the community, which helped make the event so special.

“We were overwhelmed by the generosity and support from businesses in Cardigan and beyond who kindly donated prizes for our grand raffle.”

The spin bikes used during the challenge were loaned by Neil Fulstow Fitness Coaching, with additional support from Clive Evans and Clive Davies.

The charity’s mascot Biggles also made an appearance during the day – even taking a turn on the DJ decks.

Emily Bell, Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Co-ordinator, said: “A huge congratulations to the staff at OC Davies, who smashed their original target while raising an incredible amount for our charity.

“It was a lovely open day which I was delighted to attend. OC Davies found a wonderful way to mark both anniversaries.

“Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £13 million every year to keep our helicopters flying and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraisers like this help ensure we can continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.”

Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service delivering hospital-standard treatment at the scene of an incident.

Through its partnership with the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), NHS consultants and critical care practitioners can provide advanced treatment including anaesthesia, blood transfusions and minor surgical procedures before transporting patients to the most appropriate hospital.

As a pan-Wales service, its crews travel across the country to deliver lifesaving emergency care wherever it is needed.

For more information visit www.ocdavies.com.