A NEGLECTED animal is reported to the RSPCA every five minutes - as shocking new statistics highlight how busy the charity’s rescuers are on the frontline, with calls from Devon contributing to a winter crisis.

New figures from the animal welfare charity show that, up to the end of October, its dedicated emergency line had received 43,360 reports of neglect.

In Devon alone, the charity received 981 reports about neglected animals in the first 10 months of this year. The distressing new statistics - which include statistics for each county - have been released as part of the charity's Christmas Rescue campaign - aiming to support its frontline staff ahead of what could be a "bleak” winter season for pets and other animals. In the first 10 months of the year, the line had been open for 3,474 hours - meaning it averages 12.5 calls about neglect every single hour, or one report every 288 seconds. The number of reports the charity had about neglect in October (4,387) - was also higher than the number in that month of 2022 (3,818), 2021 (4,186) and 2020 (3,931) - with incidents shooting up an eye-watering 14.9 per cent compared to last year. The data follows previous statistics suggesting calls about abandoned animals are at a three-year high, with the charity expecting to receive more than 21,400 calls about unwanted and dumped animals this year too.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: “Thousands of animals' lives are hanging in the balance this Christmas with animal neglect reports a real cause for concern - including in Devon. “Across England and Wales, our emergency line is getting a call about a neglected animal every 288 seconds. 

“Combine those levels of neglect with rising abandonments, the cost of living crisis, and the cold weather this winter, and we fear this could be a very bleak time for animals. “But there is hope. Our frontline officers work tirelessly to bring neglected animals to safety - and it is the kind-hearted public who power these rescue efforts. “This winter, our rescue teams are set to be very busy trying to help and reach so many neglected animals - which is why we need animal lovers to join the Christmas Rescue now more than ever, and donate to help us be there for neglected animals in their time of need."

One of the many animals rescued by the RSPCA currently looking for a home in Devon is nine-year-old Otto, who is an affectionate boy who has been in RSPCA care for several months. 

He came from a multi-dog home and has had little contact with the outside world and has never lived in a home environment. 

It has taken staff time to build his trust and to gain confidence in new environments. Otto is super loving with people that he knows, but can be unsure initially of new faces. 

He will need a patient home with people who have experience with nervous dogs. He needs a rural environment, with a secure garden and an adult only household. 

Otto enjoys the company of other dogs so could potentially live with another dog. He is looking for a home via the team at Little Valley Animal Shelter and there is more information on his rehoming profile.

If Otto isn’t the right match for you, there are more rescue animals who have been saved from cruelty and neglect in search of a home on the RSPCA Find-a-pet page. One of the many animals rescued from neglect by the charity before having his life transformed is Peter. 

RSPCA rescuers responded to a neglect complaint and found seven tiny stacked cages containing nine cats - including Peter. Peter was riddled with fleas - and had been left trapped in a cage, with no food and only a filthy water bowl. Vets later confirmed Peter had a flea infestation. Litter trays at the premises were overflowing - and the RSPCA inspector who raced to the aid of the animals was left struggling to breathe. All of the cats - including Peter - had nowhere clean and dry to sleep or space to stretch and exercise. Thankfully, Peter and his feline friends were given the care they needed before being rehomed through the RSPCA. This year the RSPCA is asking supporters to join the Christmas Rescue by donating to help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.