RSPCA receives 470 reports of dog cruelty in Cornwall last year alone
The charity is reporting a nationwide rise since the pandemic
Last updated 4th Aug 2022
New figures have revealed 470 reports have been made to the RSPCA about dog cruelty in Cornwall in one year.
The charity says there has been a rise in dogs being the victim of cruelty since the start of the pandemic, receiving up to 10 calls every hour.
RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: "Every year, we see many dogs coming into our care bearing the physical and mental scars that were inflicted at the hands of the very people who were meant to keep them safe and love them unconditionally.
"We are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers and dogs are ‘man’s best friend’ as the saying goes but in reality we receive many cruelty reports every day about dogs who have suffered the most unimaginable cruelty and a 16% increase of dogs being cruelly treated in a year is really concerning".
The RSPCA's Cancel Out Cruelty campaign shows 44,427 reports of dog cruelty made to the charity in 2021, involving 92,244 dogs.
They are warning cases could continue to rise in Cornwall, with 75 of the reports made in the Duchy classed as intentional harm.
The RSPCA has revealed a significant increase in dogs being victims of cruelty since the start of the pandemic with around 253 each day, including 10,228 reported as beaten nationally. This shows a 16% rise since 2020.
There are worries with more people becoming dog owners during lockdown, the number of canine cruelty incidents could continue.
The charity also fears a rise especially in the summer with previous years showing a surge in calls to its cruelty line in warmer months.
Dr Samantha Gaines continued: "Our officers have dealt with all sorts of horrific incidents including dogs repeatedly beaten, stabbed, burned, drowned, poisoned, some have been left to die from starvation.
"With the public's help in reporting cruelty they have been able to save many dogs from ongoing abuse. Sadly though in some cases others have died at the hands of their tormentors and it is then our job to try and bring some justice for the victim.
"During the summer we see a rise in cruelty and this year as we have seen such a massive increase in dog ownership since lockdown we are bracing ourselves for even more reports.
"We believe there are a number of factors which mean summer is our busiest time. Perhaps there is boredom or pressures at home with children being off school which can make existing difficulties magnified".
The charity has released its report with fears more dogs will fall victim to abuse and abandonments as the cost of living crisis adds financial pressures to pet owners.
Samantha added: "This year the cost of living crisis has added a further dimension and we believe we 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.
"All these factors mean that we need the public's support more than ever to help Cancel Out Cruelty.
"As a charity, we are bracing to tackle a summer of suffering but we cannot do this without your help and we rely on public support to carry on our rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming work".