Fact sheets › Animal cruelty
Animal cruelty
Abandoning an animal
Abandonment is leaving an animal to fend for itself without proper care — for example dumping a pet, or moving away and leaving an animal behind. It is cruel and against the law.
About animal abandonment
Abandoned animals can be left without food, water or shelter and may be at risk of injury, illness, starvation or road traffic.
Abandonment includes leaving an animal in a property, garden or public place without arrangements for its care.
Signs to look for
- A pet left alone in an empty or vacated property
- An animal tied up or dumped in a public place, box or carrier
- Animals appearing in a garden or field with no apparent owner and no food or water
- A deteriorating or distressed animal that no one seems to be caring for
The law
Abandoning an animal in circumstances likely to cause it unnecessary suffering is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Owners who can no longer care for an animal should rehome it responsibly or contact a rescue — never abandon it.
How to report animal abandonment
If you've witnessed animal abandonment, please report it to us. Give as much detail as you can safely gather — what you saw, exactly where and when, descriptions of any people, animals or vehicles involved, and any photos or video. Do not put yourself at risk or confront anyone.
If an animal is in immediate danger, or a crime is in progress, call 999.