THE RSPCA has revealed new heart-breaking figures which show more than 850 reports of abandoned animals took place in Essex last year. 

The charity reports it received four reports of abandoned animals every hour, with 750 reports being made so far this year, from January to July, a 51 per cent increase from the same timeframe in 2021.

The charity fears the huge rise in pet ownership, which skyrocketed during the pandemic, coupled with the cost of living crisis, has put a strain on peoples finances.

They fear this has resulted in even more animals being dumped and abandoned this year.

In Essex, 20 puppies were found abandoned in a crate on a layby near Fryerning, on Friday, August 29.

The animal welfare charity has released the bleak figures as part of its Cancel Out Cruelty Summer Campaign, which aims to raise funds to keep rescue teams on the frontline, saving animals in need.

Dermot Murphy, chief inspectorate officer at the RSPCA, said: “The idea of putting your cat in a carrier and taking them to a secluded spot in the woods before walking away is absolutely unthinkable and heart-breaking to most pet owners.

“Sadly we are seeing animals callously abandoned like this every single day.”