RSPCA bosses have been left shocked by a sudden increase in abandoned animals brought to their Blackpool centre.
Ten animals have been taken to the Longview Animal Centre in recent weeks, having been found abandoned or running through traffic.
Many were suffering with fleas or serious injuries, including one dog which had been bathed in bleach.
Staff at the centre, on Division Lane, Marton, said they are struggling to cope with the amount of new arrivals.
Jacinta Browne, the centre manager, said: “Most of the animals have been left without any thought for their safety and many of the dogs were in a poor state of health.”
On Monday, August 20, five cats were abandoned near the centre. A volunteer managed to rescue three, but two disappeared.
A dog walker saw a blue car abandon two cats near the centre 10 days later.
A young German Shepherd, Jake, was taken to the centre just a few days later, after his owner bathed him in bleach in an attempt to rid him of fleas.
Two flea-ridden and neglected dogs, one a Saluki-type dog, the other a Yorkshire terrier, were found near Highfield Road before being taken to the centre.
A vet who examined the Yorkshire terrier said she had a mouth infection, arthritis of the spine and legs and a dislocated hip which had never been treated.
Ms Browne added: “The problem of abandonments seems to be getting worse and most of these animals have been completely neglected. For some, a simple flea treatment would have been enough to prevent their suffering.”
The animals are still being treated at the centre and will be ready for rehoming in coming weeks.
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