A rise in animal neglect has been reported in Hampshire.

The RSPCA says it received 1,236 reports of neglect between January and September 2024, which is a 16 per cent increase from the same period last year.

This puts Hampshire eighth in England for the highest number of reports.

The RSPCA's emergency line recorded 48,814 incidents of neglect across the country in the first nine months of 2024, up from 38,977 in 2023—a 25 per cent increase.

The charity fears the issue will worsen as more pet owners face financial difficulties during Christmas.

The RSPCA's emergency line, which has been open for 3,276 hours, took an average of 15 neglect incidents every hour, or roughly one every four minutes.

The new statistics have been shared as part of the charity's Join the Christmas Rescue campaign, which aims to support staff during the busy festive period.

RSPCA superintendent Jo Hirst said: "The large 25 per cent increase in the number of pet neglect calls we are taking is a major concern during our busy winter period when many people are facing more financial difficulties, and we fear this upsetting trend will continue.

"One call every four minutes is a frightening statistic. Coupled with this we have also seen a startling increase in abandonment cases up 30 per cent in just three years.

"Sadly we expect the crisis to worsen as more people tend to struggle with increased costs around Christmas time with presents to buy and extra food shopping - along with energy bills.

"But we can make a difference, which is why we are asking the public to support our appeal, Join The Christmas Rescue, and help our rescuers, veterinary teams, branches and centre staff, who work tirelessly to give animals the urgent treatment and love that will save their lives."

One success story is Mabel, a staffie cross who was rescued after being found emaciated and starved.

Now aged six, Mabel is enjoying life with her new owners in Camberley. Her previous owners were prosecuted by the RSPCA.

To help the RSPCA rescue more animals, visit rspca.org.uk/winterappeal.