There have been more than 500 reports of abandoned animals in Dorset since 2021, data reveals.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) published the figures as part of the charity's Cancel Out Cruelty campaign.

This year alone there have been 185 reports of abandoned animals, up until July, with 329 reports in 2021.

The charity fears that a huge rise in pet ownership during the pandemic combined with the current cost of living crisis could lead to even more animals being given up this year.

In Dorset, an underweight bearded dragon was found abandoned in heathland in June. A member of the public took him home and kept him warm until an RSPCA inspector could collect the reptile and take him to a vet.

Dermot Murphy, Chief Inspectorate Officer at the RSPCA, said: “The idea of putting your cat in a cat carrier and taking them to a secluded spot in the woods before walking away, or chucking your dog out of the car and driving off leaving them desperately running behind the vehicle, is absolutely unthinkable and heartbreaking to most pet owners - but sadly we are seeing animals callously abandoned like this every single day.

“We understand that sometimes the unexpected can happen - the pandemic and cost of living crisis proved that - but there is never an excuse to abandon an animal. There are always other options for anyone who has fallen on hard times and can no longer afford to keep their pet.”

Nationally the RSPCA receive 104 reports every single day of animals being abandoned - and the figures are on the rise with a 24% increase this year alone.

Across the country, dogs were the most abandoned pet followed by cats and then 'exotic pets' - including fish and snakes.

A recent report released by the RSPCA in partnership with the Scottish SPCA also showed that the cost of living crisis is the most urgent threat to pet welfare in the UK.

The Animal Kindness Index* showed that 78% of pet owners think the cost of living will impact their animals, almost seven out of 10 (68%) expressing concern that the cost of care was increasing, and a fifth (19%) worried about how they’ll afford to feed their pets.

To help support the RSPCA, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/stopcruelty.