The RSPCA received over 10,000 calls about cases of neglect, cruelty and animal injury in Cheshire last year, new figures reveal.

In 2017 the animal charity received 10,660 calls, while in 2018 it received 10,764.

Of these figures, 2,118 reported incidents involved cats, 2,995 involved dogs and 476 were relating to horses.

During the same period, 273 reports of cases involving exotic animals were logged.

In the whole of the UK 15,790 calls were received by the animal charity about exotic animals - defined as wild animals kept as pets.

This is equivalent to 40 calls per day.

In a statement the RSPCA explained that the reason for this huge number of call outs is that owners do not do adequate research, failing to understand the type of care they need.

This results in the animals being neglected, dumped or escaping.

Now the charity is calling for people to ensure they thoroughly research any exotic animal they want to buy - so they are aware of the level of care required.

Read about one of the incidents of exotic animal call outs in Cheshire last year below.

Silver fox in Alsager garden

A rare silver fox was one of the exotic animal cases the RSPCA was called to last year

A rare silver fox was one of the cases which saw the RSPCA called after it was discovered in an Alsager garden.

The impressive-looking animal, which was later named Shadow, was roaming in a garden in Dunnocksfold Road.

It's thought the animal had been a pet which had either been abandoned or had escaped.

Lee Stewart, manager of Stapeley Grange, said: "He was checked over by our team of vets and was found to be in good health, just a little overweight.

"He was the first silver fox we have ever had here at Stapeley Grange, in nearly 25 years we have been open."

'Real concerns' about welfare of exotic animals

Stephanie Jayson, RSPCA  Senior Scientific Officer for exotics, said: "Although their numbers are small compared to more common pets, we have real concerns about the welfare of reptiles and other exotic animals kept as pets in this country.


"These animals are commonly found for sale in pet shops and are advertised online. At least in the past, animals have often been handed over to buyers with little or no information about how to care for them properly, although new regulations in England should improve this.

"In some cases, we believe owners take them on simply because they believe they will be easier to care for than other pets, but it is essential that people research what is required in the care of their pet, from food, equipment, environment and vet care, before taking one on.

"We would also urge them to ask for help if they’re struggling to meet their needs."

The RSPCA received 273 reports of exotic animal cases in 2018 in Cheshire

Stephanie explained how often exotic animals suffer when 'the novelty wears off'.



In Cheshire 37 exotic pets were rescued last year by the charity, while over 4,000 were rescued throughout the whole of the UK.

Learn more about the exotic animals the RSPCA is trying to rehome here .

