514 animal abuse reports in Surrey and 1,078 in Hampshire so far this year
The new figures, released by the RSPCA, say there has been nearly 45,000 reports across England and Wales in the same time span.
The RSPCA have revealed shocking new figures across Surrey and Hampshire, with over 1500 reports of animal abuse of cruelty towards animals being registered across the two counties so far this year.
With 514 animal abuse reports in Surrey and 1,078 in Hampshire up to the end of June, the RSPCA are warning that the worst could be yet to come.
There have been 44,879 reports of cruelty towards animals across England and Wales in the same time span, a 2% rise on the number of calls last year in the same timeframe.
.Last year saw the charity receive a report of animal cruelty every five minutes during its busiest summer months - and its officers are now braced for another busy period.
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.
Karen Colman, who heads up the RSPCA welfare oversight team, said: “Sadly, animal cruelty reports are on the rise this year - and in Hampshire alone, we’ve seen 1,078 animal cruelty reports already this year.
“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.”
The RSPCA hopes support from people across Hampshire will help make the difference for animals this year.
“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.” added Karen.
“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.”