THE RSPCA fears there could be a surge in the number of animals abandoned in Cheshire this winter following an increase in pet ownership.

The charity received 96 reports of animals being abandoned across the county between December 1, 2019, and February 29 this year.

Last month, the RSPCA’s cruelty line received 12 reports of animals left dumped and unwanted in Cheshire.

Now, it fears that a recent spike in pet ownership coupled with a deepening recession could see more pets left out in the cold this year.

Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA’s animal rescue teams, said: “During the lockdown there have been reports of a rise in people buying or adopting new pets, often for the very first time.

“While it’s great that so many people have become pet owners and have found their pet to be a real source of comfort during these challenging times, we are concerned that some people may have bought a pet on impulse without considering how their lifestyle might change once the pandemic ends.

“On top of that, we are facing real economic uncertainties, and, as in previous recessions, people may simply find themselves unable to afford their pet.

“The last thing we want to see is animals dumped and left out in the cold so we’d urge anyone who is struggling to care for their pets to please reach out to friends, family and charities for support instead.”

A poll by the RSPCA, conducted by YouGov, revealed that 11 per cent of pet owners had taken on a pet during lockdown and, of those, nine per cent said their pet had been more expensive than they had expected – while six per cent were worried about being able to afford them in the future.

The most common concern reported to the RSPCA’s cruelty line last winter was neglect, with more than 76 reports a day nationwide relating to pain and disease, and 57 reports a day for unsuitable environments.