RSPCA Cymru has launched an appeal for information after a Yorkshire Terrier – with a matted coat – was found in Cwmavon.
The dog – who has been named Ralph – was found on Saturday 16 December at Brunel Industrial Estate, Cwmavon by a concerned member of the public.
He was taken to RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre in Penllergaer – where RSPCA animal rescue officer Rohan Barker then took him to a veterinary practice for treatment.
Unfortunately a microchip wouldn’t scan and an appeal for information has now been launched to trace his owner.
RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben, who is making enquiries into where the dog came from, said: “If anyone has any first-hand information that will help our enquiries please do get in touch and call us via 0300 123 8018, quoting 01197855.
“At the vets he was given a trim and will need to be sedated for his claws to be trimmed and to check his teeth.
“As a stray he has now been passed onto the dog warden.”
Up to the end of October, the animal welfare charity had received 17,838 reports of abandoned animals across England and Wales – which, if such trends continue, would equate to 21,417 reports over 2023. This compares with 16,118 reports during the whole of 2020, meaning the RSPCA is on course to see an eye-watering 32.9 percent rise in abandonment calls this year. It’s higher too than the number of reports received in 2021 (17,179) and 2022 (19,645).
While in Wales specifically – abandonment reports have risen 61% – from 997 in 2020 to a projected 1,610 this year. This compared to 1,192 reports in 2021 and 1,419 in 2022.
Keith added: “We’re desperately concerned about the coming winter months in Wales. Abandonments have soared and many rescue centres are full to bursting, so we are facing an unprecedented winter crisis.
“Our rescue teams are set to be busier than ever this Christmas – so we need animal lovers to join the Christmas rescue and donate to help us be there for animals in desperate need as neglect and abandonment soars.”
