RSPCA warns of ‘spike’ in animal cruelty over summer
In light of this, the charity has launched its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, to raise funds to help its rescue teams out on the frontline
New figures have shown that the RSPCA sees a “spike” in reports of cruelty during the summer months. The charity has now warned that with pet ownership on the rise, coupled with ongoing financial pressures, it is “braced for a summer of suffering”.
While the RSPCA typically receives around 90,000 calls to its cruelty line every month and investigates 6,000 reports of deliberate animal cruelty, in the summer, calls rise to 134,000 a month and reports of cruelty soar to 7,600 each month.
In light of this, the charity has launched its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, to raise funds to help its rescue teams out on the frontline continue to save animals from cruelty and abuse and to raise awareness about how to stop cruelty to animals for good.
Overall, the number of reports made to the charity’s cruelty line about animals inflicted with intentional harm – including beatings, mutilations, such as ear cropping, poisonings and even killings, has increased by 7.9% from summer 2020 to summer 2021, with more than 2,300 reports in June and July alone.
Dermot Murphy, RSPCA chief inspectorate officer, said: “We’re a nation of animal lovers and no one wants to think of an animal being cruelly treated, but sadly the reality is that everyday animals are victims of deliberate cruelty and thankfully the RSPCA is there to help them.
“There are many factors that 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. Hot summer days can also lead to more people drinking alcohol in the sun, which in turn can be a factor causing violence.”
He added: “Perhaps there’s boredom or pressures at home with children being off school which can make existing difficulties magnified. And this year, we’re 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.
“As a charity, we’re bracing ourselves to tackle a summer of suffering. These figures are deeply shocking and upsetting and highlight why we need your help more than ever to save these animals in desperate need.”
