THE RSPCA has released new figures that show they receive a call about an abandoned animal every six minutes.

The charity is warning of a summer abandonment crisis with an 85 per cent increase in the number of reports about dumped animals in the summer months.

Throughout June, July and August last year, the RSPCA received 23,673 calls about dumped animals which equates to one call every six minutes.

This is an increase of at least 85 per cent on the number of animals reported abandoned during the colder months.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA’S chief inspectorate officer, said: “Sadly, we see a dramatic increase in the number of animals abandoned in the summer.

“From unwanted newborn kittens and puppies dumped in boxes and bins, exotic pets cast aside or horses abandoned in someone else’s field, dumped like rubbish.

“There is never an excuse to abandon an animal in this way and we would urge anyone who is struggling to cope with their pets to contact us or other charities for help.

“The peak in animals being abandoned in the summer puts a massive strain on our inspectors, animal centres and branches who are left picking up the pieces when an animal is dumped.”

Among those abandoned last year was Rolo the Belgian Malinois and Rottweiler cross puppy who was dumped in Sunderland, he was found in a box by a dog walker after he had been dumped in a field with his litter mates. Rolo is now 10 months old was rehomed in Northumberland last year.

It costs the RSPCA nearly £30,000 to run an animal centre, providing vet care, food, toys and comfort to needy animals, every month.

To help the RSPCA continue to rescue animals like Rolo visit rspca.org.uk/summercrisis