HUNDREDS of pets are likely to be abandoned during a ‘summer surge’, the RSPCA has warned.

The charity is braced for an even bigger impact this summer following the easing of lockdown and the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic and has launched an emergency appeal to continue its vital rescue work.

Between June and August 2019, 16,519 animals were reported abandoned to the RSPCA which accounts for 30 per cent of all animals reported abandoned that year. During the summer months the charity received 643 reports about dumped animals in Lancashire. This included a boxer dog who was dropped off at RSPCA Lancashire East Branch in Accrington last July.

The two men who dropped her off said they had found her abandoned ­— she was riddled with tumours and had a “hideous” open wound on her tail.

RSPCA investigating officer Demi Hodby, said: “This poor older girl had an absolutely hideous open wound on the base of her tail.

"Vets suspected it had been a tumour that had ulcerated before bursting and getting infected - it had obviously been this way - untreated - for some time. She also had a number of tumours in her mouth. She must have been in so much pain. Unfortunately, vets determined that there was nothing they could do to help her and made the heart-breaking decision to put her to sleep.”

During the three months since lockdown, the RSPCA has received reports about 3,492 abandoned animals - about 40 calls a day - including 1,509 dogs, 1,165 cats, 299 smaller animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs and ferrets and 275 exotic pets.

Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA’s animal rescue teams, said: “During lockdown we’ve seen pets become a source of comfort and support for people and it appears many have taken on new animals. Fortunately, during this time we’ve dealt with fewer abandoned pets however we are worried that as lockdown eases, people return to work, go on holidays or struggle financially we will be facing a massive surge of animal abandonment. Sadly summer tends to bring a surge in abandoned animals. We don’t know why but it may be a combination of warmer weather making people feel less guilty about dumping a pet to fend for themselves and people going on holiday abandoning pets instead of arranging care for them.”

The organisation’s rescue teams have been working throughout lockdown after being classified as essential key workers.

The numbers of animals being cared for by the RSPCA has risen by more than 1,500 to 5,600 during the pandemic.

“This is the toughest year yet for the RSPCA despite the huge challenges, our amazing teams have been continuing to rescue animals throughout this crisis,” Mr Murphy added.

“I’d urge anyone struggling with their pet to ask for help. Animals have been there to help us through the crisis, please don’t abandon them now.”