Rise in wild animal abuse in Essex
21 cases of deliberate abuse were reported last year in the area
In total, there were 21 cases in Essex 2020 where intentional wild animal abuse was reported to the RSPCA.
The charity has been overwhelmed by cases, as new figures show they have received nearly 10,000 calls over the last 5 years with people reporting the issue.
It has been revealed that wildlife such as deer, swans and hedgehogs are among the most affected.
RSPCA fights for change
The RSPCA’s Cancel Out Cruelty campaign also shows wild animals and birds were at the brunt of the abuse and that cases are higher in the summer months.
The aim of the campaign is to keep rescue teams out on the frontline by raising funds. Their inspectors have seen some cases they have described as being particularly ‘distressing’ over recent months, and have dealt with abuse cases like badger baiting, illegal hunting, and trapping birds.
A rise of abuse in lockdown
Cases have risen over lockdown, and there was a surge in abuse cases reported last summer. Scientific Officer at the RSPCA Evangeline Button said: “Perhaps people were trying to seek a form of entertainment with these kinds of behaviours. It almost seems to be for fun.
“Some people might actually record themselves and post it on social media.”
“Last year, we had 376 wild animals reported to have been intentionally harmed between June and August alone. We think the same thing might happen this summer unfortunately.”
Some of the cases have been particularly brutal, with reports of some animals being set on fire. Button noted: “When our officers see these kinds of things, they’ll describe it as the worst example they’ve seen, and this can come from officers who have been doing the job for years and years.”
“Unfortunately, there always seem to be worst instances they come across.”
“In a lot of cases, these animals are harmed so badly that we can’t save them by this point.”
RSPCA Head of Wildlife Adam Grogan said: “We say we’re a nation of animal-lovers and yet every year, we see wild animals in our wildlife centres and animal hospitals that have been badly injured or killed by being beaten, mutilated, poisoned, or shot for ‘fun’.