THE RSPCA is preparing for an explosion in the number of abandoned animals in Cumbria needing their care.

The animal welfare charity is gearing up for a busy summer, after newly released figures showed that the organisation responded to 154 reports of abandoned animals across the county last summer.

Across England and Wales, the RSPCA received a staggering 23,673 callouts in June, July and August 2018.

Compared to the winter months, this is an increase of 85 per cent.

The RSPCA’S chief inspectorate officer, Dermot Murphy, said: “There is never an excuse to abandon an animal.

"We would urge anyone who is struggling to cope with their pets to contact us, or other charities, for help.

"Our pets are sentient beings and great companions who rely on us for their health and happiness so dumping them like rubbish should never be the answer.

“The peak in animals being abandoned in the summer puts a massive strain on our inspectors, animal centres and branches, who are left picking up the pieces when an animal is dumped.”