Animal cruelty 'on the rise' in the South
The RSPCA say they've received more than 2,000 cruelty reports here so far this year
Last updated 17th Jul 2024
The RSPCA is warning that cases of animal cruelty are on the rise both across the South and around the UK.
In new stats, published today, the animal charity have revealed they have received 2,066 reports of cruelty so far this year in Dorset, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex alone - and they're warning the busiest period is 'yet to come'.
The new figures show there have already been 44,879 reports of cruelty towards animals so far this year across England and Wales up to the end of June, which is more than two percent higher than the 43,983 calls received during the same timeframe last year.
Last year saw the West Sussex-based charity receive a report of animal cruelty every five minutes during its busiest summer months.
Last summer, reports of intentional harm towards animals rose by 11% compared with the previous year, with animal beating reports also rose sharply - by 17%.
The animal welfare charity has now launched its ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ summer appeal as it responds to this seasonal peak in cruelty.
'We're preparing for a difficult period ahead'
Karen Colman, who heads up the RSPCA welfare oversight team, said:
“Reports of international harm towards animals and beatings also rose sharply across the country last summer - so we’re preparing for a difficult period ahead.
“But rescuing animals from cruelty, investigating harm caused to them, and acting to prevent animal abuse, is a job no other charity does. We’ll always be here to pick up the pieces and show those animals the kindness and care they deserve.
“Summer is a really challenging time for us - and we’re braced for another busy season on the frontline, but we cannot do this alone.
“That’s why our ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ summer appeal seeks to tackle the rising and alarming levels of cruelty by raising vital funds to help those animals in desperate need - because every animal deserves kindness.”
In May, a dog breeder from Southampton was given a 16-week suspended jail sentence for causing the cropping of dogs’ ears after he posted photos on his Instagram account.
The man, who admitted seven offences, was also given a five-year year ban on owning, keeping and participating in the keeping of dogs, and told to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
The RSPCA became aware after information came into the charity’s Special Operations Unit research and intelligence team that he was arranging for puppies’ ears to be cropped.
RSPCA Inspector Caroline Richardson said: “Ear cropping is a painful and illegal procedure that carries no benefits at all to the dogs - so this was a really concerning case.
“Officers found a number of adult dogs, with cropped ears, as well as a litter of puppies, being kept inside the house as well as in an outbuilding at the bottom of the garden.”
In summer 2023, the animal welfare charity received 285 reports of cruelty every single day and - so far in 2024 cruelty has been rising, with nearly 45,000 reports of cruelty taken by the charity’s dedicated rescue teams.
“Although these horrific acts of cruelty happen,there are a lot of good people out there looking out for animals as well,” said Zoe. “Traumatised animals like Loki can heal and thrive when they’re given expert vet care, loving kindness and careful, patient rehabilitation. And, with your help, we’re here to offer just that.
“No animal deserves heartbreaking abuse. Animals are like us: they feel desperation, confusion and terror. They feel every punch, every broken bone and every burn. That’s why as we mark our 200th birthday, we’ve launched this summer cruelty appeal.
“Together, we must stand against cruelty and continue to be there for the animals who desperately need our help now. To rescue them from harm and give them the lives they deserve – free from terror and torment and full of care and kindness.”
More information on the RSPCA’s No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal can be found on the charity's website.