The RSPCA has revealed there has been a rise in the number of abandoned pets in Wiltshire.

The increase is part of a wider 51 per cent increase in animal abandonment across England and Wales over the past three years.

In Wiltshire alone, the number of reports to the RSPCA in 2023 was 164, up from 161 in 2021.

This is a two per cent increase.

The RSPCA believes that a combination of the surge in pet ownership during the Covid-19 lockdown and the increasing financial hardships have contributed to the rise in abandonment.

RSPCA chief inspector Ian Briggs said: "We are seeing a shocking rise in the number of calls reporting pet abandonment to our emergency line during winter with an eye-watering 51 per cent rise in three years.

"Sadly we expect the trend will continue as more pet owners face financial hardship at this time of year more than any other."

The charity is particularly concerned about the coming winter months, as the cost of living crisis is expected to worsen with increased Christmas expenditure and energy bills.

Mr Briggs added: "Thanks to the public supporting us we are able to rescue many animals, rehabilitate them and find them new homes - but to continue this life-saving work we need your help."

One of the most harrowing stories from the RSPCA concerns Jack and Poppy, two puppies found in a filthy flat in Liverpool after being left by their owners.

A neighbour alerted the RSPCA in September last year after suspecting that dogs had been abandoned in the flat.

The two puppies were found severely underweight, suffering from fur loss due to a severe skin condition, and surrounded by faeces and urine.

Inspector Anthony Joynes, who assisted in their rescue, said: "Poppy and Jack were one of the saddest sights of my career - they were like skeletons and were suffering fur loss due to a severe skin condition.

"It was terribly upsetting that they were left like that and a fridge freezer had been placed across the front door of the flat almost in a crude attempt to seal the dog’s fate."

Despite their traumatic ordeal, both puppies have made a full recovery and have been rehomed with loving families.

The RSPCA urges anyone struggling to care for their pets to seek help from reputable animal welfare charities.

The charity has launched a dedicated cost of living hub to signpost available help for pet owners and have more than 200 pet food bank partnerships across the country.