More than 200 pets were abandoned in Surrey last year.

That’s according to new RSPCA figures which show the number of animals being dumped nationwide has risen by 51% in three years.

The charity received 4,630 abandonment reports last winter.

It’s believed the surge in pet ownership during lockdown combined with increasing cost of living has led to the problem.

The RSPCA’s Join The Christmas Rescue campaign has launched to highlight the issue.