This abandoned dog is the latest victim of animal cruelty ravaging the country

A real animal cruelty epidemic ravages the country this year, and the RSPCA fears that things will only get worse as the consequences of the cost of living crisis affect more and more pet owners. While there are multiple ways to take care of your pet for less, people still struggle to make ends meet. The charity believes that this chihuahua too likely fell victim to her owners’ financial difficulties.

Abandoned in a pink collar

Road sweepers in Beaumont Leys, Leicester, England discovered an abandoned chihuahua 'discarded' among bags of rubbish near recycling bins at a local Tesco. The terrified pooch was sitting inside a cat carrier and looked distressed. The kindhearted workers called the RSPCA for help, and in no time the little animal was collected by a dog warden and taken into the charity’s care.

The dog was around 18 months old. She was wearing a pink collar and was named Holly.

According to the RSPCA, the surveillance cameras in the area spotted someone taking an item - believed to be the cat carrier - to the back of the bins the day before the discovery, meaning that the poor pup had been left alone with no food or water for quite a while before she was found.

It’s only getting worse

Sadly, Holly’s heartbreaking story is just one of many similar devastating incidents that have taken place recently. RSPCA inspector Herchy Boal said two house rabbits were found running on a local road, and two cats had been dumped. They were rescued within days of each other.

An abandoned pair of domestic rabbits were taken in overnight by a concerned member of the public. One of the pets was pregnant but miscarried her six babies. Both animals, now named Ellie and Vince, are taken into the RSPCA’s care and need a new home.

Two cats - Velvet and Whisky - were found 'stuffed' into one carrier and left behind. Both wearing collars and not microchipped, they are in healthy condition despite their ordeal. They are also looking for a loving new family.

The RSPCA fears the increased cost of living could be leading to a further rise in the number of dumped animals.

Head to RSPCA's website to learn more about the charity and support their vital animal welfare and rescue work.

Sources used:

- Leicestershire Live: 'Road sweepers discover abandoned chihuahua dumped by recycling bins'