By Carole Dennett
Friends of the Animals say animal cruelty and neglect, on the Isle of Wight, has reached “deeply worrying” levels, with the charity experiencing its busiest year in its 36‑year history, as calls to its Newport office surge.
The Island charity, which provides emergency veterinary care, rescue, re-homing, and support for families in crisis, says it is now dealing with a “relentless” rise in cases involving abandoned, neglected, and mistreated animals of all kinds. Staff and volunteers have recently taken in kittens dumped in a box in Newport, and two more found in a hedge in Calbourne – cases they describe as “cruel, callous, and completely unjustifiable.”
On other occasions, the charity has rescued kittens so heavily infested with fleas that many died from anaemia. One tiny kitten, only a few weeks old, was found with 40 fleas on her, she sadly lost her fight for life. “It’s bad enough to see neglect,” said Helen Luff, who is actively involved in the charity’s rescue operations,
“but the indifference of some owners is quite frankly staggering. These are preventable, unnecessary deaths.
“We have also seen a big increase in the number of dogs needing to be re-homed. We are in desperate need of kind and caring foster families, as well as permanent loving homes for animals that need a second chance at life.”
Friends of the Animals (FotA) says the rise in cruelty is stretching its resources to the limit. Last year the charity spent more than £395,000 supporting pets and owners across the Island, and this year’s demand has already exceeded that. “We are seeing suffering that simply shouldn’t be happening,” Miss Luff added. “People are struggling, rescues are full, and indiscriminate breeding is making everything worse.”
In response, the charity is launching an expanded spay and neuter support scheme to help reduce unwanted litters, and prevent further suffering. Islanders can now receive £70 off a female cat spay, £50 off a male cat neuter, £120 off a female dog spay, and £100 off a male dog neuter. The special offer runs until the end of December and is available by calling 522511 Tuesday to Saturday from 10am, quoting IW Observer.
“We must stop this cycle,” charity founder Helen Sinclair said. “Every unneutered animal adds to the pressure on rescue centres and increases the risk of neglect. This is about compassion, responsibility, and protecting the animals who depend on us.”
Friends of the Animals is urging Islanders to report concerns early and to seek help if they are struggling. “This is more than rescue work,” Mrs Sinclair added. “It’s about safeguarding the wellbeing of animals across our Island community. Friends of the Animals will never stand by because, behind every call, every rescue, and every tiny life saved, is a reminder that compassion and kindness must always win.”
The charity would also welcome support in the form of volunteers for its charity shops and special events, and financial donations which can be made by calling 522511, or on-line via iw.observer/fota-donate.
