Study reveals over 100 reports of animal cruelty in Cornwall last summer alone
The RSPCA says there is often a spike during June, July and August
Last updated 24th Jul 2022
A new study has shown a spike in cruelty and intentional harm against animals with over 100 reports made to the RSPCA in Cornwall last summer alone.
The charity has launched a Cancel Out Cruelty Campaign, after it found cruelty had spiked during the months of June, July and August, with 102 reports in the Duchy.
Along with the cost of living causing financial problems for pet owners, the charity has launched the campaign to prevent abuse to animals.
Dermot Murphy, Chief Inspectorate Officer at the RSPCA, said: “We are a nation of animal lovers and no one wants to think of an animal being cruelly treated but sadly the reality is that every day animals are victims of deliberate cruelty and thankfully the RSPCA is there to help them.
“There are many factors which could explain why we see a rise in cruelty during the summer months. The longer sunny days could mean people are out and about more and likely to see and report abuse".
Nationally, the charity received around 90,000 calls to its cruelty line every month and investigates 6,000 reports of deliberate cruelty. Between the months of June, July and August these calls rise to three every minute with 134,000 calls per month. This is 245 each day.
The Cancel Out Cruelty campaign today hopes to raise funds to help its rescue teams out on the frontline to continue to save animals from cruelty and abuse and to raise awareness about how to stop cruelty to animals for good.
The RSPCA received 1,081,018 calls to its Cruelty Line in 2021 including reports of: nearly three animals killed a day, 12 animals brutally mutilated every week, around one animal beaten every hour and more than 100 animals abandoned every day.
In Cornwall, last summer twelve baby ferrets were among the animals who faced neglect in the county after they were abandoned in a cat carrier under a bush in Hayle. The ferrets, who have since been found homes through RSPCA animal rescue centres, were dumped in a cage-style cat carrier without food or water on a hot July day.
Dermot continued: "Hot summer days can also lead to more people drinking alcohol in the sun which in turn can be a factor causing violence. Perhaps there is boredom or pressures at home with children being off school which can make existing difficulties magnified.
“This year, we are also concerned that the recent rise in pet ownership coupled with the cost of living crisis could see people really struggling to care for their pets which may lead them to lash out or could see more animals than ever being abandoned or given up.
"These figures are shocking and deeply upsetting"
"As a charity, we are bracing to tackle a summer of suffering but we cannot do this without your help".
The RSPCA’s rescue teams need support to stay out on the frontline as the only charity rescuing animals and investigating cruelty.
To find out more and support the Cancel Out Cruelty campaign you can visit their website.