Over 15,000 animals rehomed over a decade in Hampshire RSPCA reveals as it celebrates its 200th birthday

MORE than 15,000 animals were rehomed by the RSPCA in Hampshire over the past decade, the charity has revealed.

Celebrating its 200th birthday this year the RSPCA was founded after a meeting in a London coffee shop where members vowed to help rescue creatures being abused or needing new homes.

Hampshire is home to independent RSPCA branches including one in the New Forest, and also has the national RSPCA centre in Ashley Heath.

The latest figures for the county show that in the 10 years up until the end of 2022 new homes have been found for a staggering 15,898 animals. Additionally, they have helped pet owners in the county by providing 16,448 neuters and 11,866 microchips.

But the charity revealed that animal neglect and abandonment is at a three-year high.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: “We have even more animals in need of help coming into our care – but at the same time rehoming has been declining sharply, meaning thousands fewer rescue pets are being adopted and our branches and centres are full to bursting.

“We are also faced with increased bills and less donations due to the cost-of-living crisis which is one of the biggest challenges facing animal welfare right now, and this economic hardship is continuing into our 200th anniversary year.

“But we are determined to rise to the challenge and help animals and pet owners who need us more than ever.”

To donate visit: www.rspca.org.uk/200