RSPCA launches abandonment appeal and gives update on poorly kittens dumped in Boston
The latest on a litter of poorly kittens dumped in a bin bag near a fish and chip shop in Boston earlier this year has been shared by the RSPCA.
The charity has provided the update as it launches an urgent appeal for support over animal abandonments.
There have been more than 400 incidents of an animal being abandoned in Lincolnshire so far this year, the charity says.
While this number is in line with last year’s data, across England and Wales there has been a 23 per cent rise in such incidents, taking the tally past 24,000, it says.
Amid fears, the upward trend will continue into the winter months, the charity has launched its The Big Give Back to Animals appeal.
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.” In support of the appeal, the RSPCA has returned to the case of seven, poorly kittens found dumped in a bin bag near a chip shop in Boston in August.
The finder removed the kittens from the bag, placed them in a box, and then took them to a vet for urgent care.
Sadly, one of the seven was so poorly, it had to be euthanised.
The remaining kittens – two boys and four girls – were given urgent treatment for cat flu while in RSPCA care.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Paula Jones said: “It is heartbreaking to see such young animals suffering having only been in this world a few weeks. To know that someone just abandoned them when they clearly needed veterinary help is so sad.”
All the kittens are currently being looked after by The RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid & Lincoln Branch and are still receiving care, the charity says.
They have been named Sammy, Ophelia, Sophie, Bobbie, Yin and Yang.
In support of the appeal, the charity has also released updated photographs of the group.
The Big Give Back to Animals aims to help the RSPCA bring more abandoned and neglected animals to safety, where they can be given urgent care and treatment.
Simon added: “Times are tough, right now – and animals are paying the price. Reports of abandonment are set to reach their highest mark in at least six years, and the worst could be yet to come as we enter a grim winter period. “But animals are sentient; they feel joy, fear, love and pain, just like we do. They give us so much, and ask for so little. Sadly, without help, many animals will die this winter – scared, suffering, and unloved.” He continued: “Thankfully, there is hope – and I am so proud of the RSPCA's efforts to help dumped pets survive, heal and thrive, and go onto a better life. Every year, we find loving new homes for tens of thousands of pets, and rescue countless animals from situations of hopeless cruelty and neglect. “But none of this work is possible without the kindness and generosity of our supporters. Every pound and penny people give goes towards creating a better world for every kind of animal.”
For more on the appeal, visit The Big Give Back to Animals homepage.