There have been more than 200 incidents of an animal being abandoned so far in Hertfordshire this year, ahead of a potentially “grim” Winter for pets.

Up to the end of October, 205 incidents about an animal being abandoned or dumped in Hertfordshire had been raised with the charity’s emergency line.

That’s similar to the 221 incidents reported during the same time period last year.

And with charity rescuers braced for a further surge in reports over the Winter months, the RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal – The Big Give Back to Animals – in the hope of raising vital funds for its frontline officers.

The charity fears for animals across Hertfordshire over the Winter season with “plummeting temperatures and dark nights” placing animals at even greater risk from abandonment.

Across England and Wales, 24,270 abandonment incidents have been reported so far this year – a rise of almost 23 percent compared with the same time period last year (19,727).

That means – in the first ten months of this year – an abandonment incident was reported to the RSPCA’s emergency line every nine minutes it was open.

Last Winter (Nov-Jan), 5,902 incidents of animal abandonment were raised with the charity – and there are fears the upward trend of cases is set to continue in the coming months. There were 51 abandonment incidents last Winter in Hertfordshire alone.

Reports of animal abandonment will this year reach their highest point in at least six years – and issues like the ongoing cost of living crisis mean animals need the RSPCA’s support to “survive, heal and thrive” now more than ever.

RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne said: “It’s been an incredibly challenging year for many pets, and we have seen a dramatic and heartbreaking rise in abandonments this year.

“And with Winter upon us, with plummeting temperatures and dark nights, we fear things could get even harder in the months to come.

“Sadly, animal abandonment has become so problematic and so tragically widespread, that we’ve seen more incidents every month this year when compared to 2024; and reports have been rising year after year.

“There’s an epidemic of animal abandonment and neglect, meaning our officers are needed now more than ever to respond to those animals in the most urgent need of help.”

Elderly dog found collapsed at roadside

In March, an elderly and emaciated dog was found collapsed at the side of a road and was covered in infected wounds and had a huge tumour.

The poor dog was discovered at the junction of Dancers Hill Road, Potters Bar and the A1081 Barnet Road.

A kind hearted member of the public found the German Shepherd and managed to get him into the back of his van. The dog was rushed to the RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre where he was found to have a huge testicular mass, multiple wounds which were infected, fleas and pressure sores.

Sadly, despite being rushed for emergency vet treatment, his poor condition meant he was put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

RSPCA inspector Stephen Reeves said: “It is heartbreaking that this poor dog was just left at the side of the road – especially given he was suffering so much and not even able to lift his head.”