AN ‘eight-week-old’ dachshund puppy found in a Somerset sports pavilion is just one of the shocking number of animals to have been found abandoned in England and Wales.

Sobering figures released by the RSPCA show the number of animals abandoned during the winter period has increased by a massive 51 per cent in just three years.

The charity has released the statistics to highlight the battle frontline rescuers face ahead of what is expected to be another bleak winter for thousands of animals as part of its Join The Christmas Rescue campaign.

In Somerset latest figures show the number of abandonment reports to the RSPCA for 2023 was 292 up from 278 in 2021 when the cost of living crisis began - a 5 per cent increase.

The dachshund pup - who is thought to be around eight weeks old - was taken to RSPCA Brent Knoll Animal Centre on Thursday, November 16, last year by a member of the public who had found him at Woolavington Sports Pavilion.

RSPCA inspector Jo Daniel, who launched an investigation for the animal welfare charity, said: “Little Will is believed to have a disease called puppy strangles which is not contagious and had treatment for this.

“To be seemingly dumped in this way is incredibly sad especially when Will is in ill health and in need of care and attention.”

The RSPCA received 3,071 animal abandonment reports during the winter period (November to January 2021). Last winter, this rose to a staggering 4,630 pets who were reported to have been left to fend for themselves - a 51 per cent increase.

In total, 20,999 abandonment reports were made to the charity’s emergency line in 2023 and according to latest 2024 figures (available up until the end of October) 19,067 have been reported this year - which, if the trend continues, will be almost 23,000 reports.

Before the cost of living crisis the number of reported abandonments during 2020 stood at 16,118.

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.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Ian Briggs said: “We are seeing a shocking rise in the number of calls reporting pet abandonment to our emergency line during winter with an eye-watering 51 per cent rise in three years. Sadly we expect the trend will continue as more pet owners face financial hardship at this time of year more than any other.

“Our rescuers are regularly coming across dogs in poor health, collapsed and left in isolated spots to suffer a lingering death.

“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.

“So please Join The Christmas Rescue and together we will bring joy and safety to animals.”

If you find a dog you believe has been abandoned, please contact your local stray dog service. More information is available here.