THE RSPCA has launched its ‘Cancel Out Cruelty’ campaign, amid a spike in animal cruelty across the summer months.
Nationally, the RSPCA receives approximately 90,000 calls every month, but summer sees this number rise to over 130,000, or three every minute.
Reports of cruelty also increased, from 6,000 to 7,600 per month, equating to a worrying 245 a day.
The number of reports made to the charity’s cruelty line concerning animals being inflicted with intentional harm - including beatings, mutilations, poisonings and even killings, has increased by 7.9% from summer 2020 to summer 2021, with over 2,300 reports in June and July alone.
Dermot Murphy, chief inspectorate officer at the RSPCA, said: ‘We are a nation of animal lovers and no one wants to think of an animal being cruelly treated, but sadly the reality is that every day animals are victims of deliberate cruelty and thankfully the RSPCA is there to help them.
‘There are many factors which 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.
‘Perhaps there is boredom or pressures at home with children being off school which can make existing difficulties magnified.
‘And this year, we are 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.’
In 2021, the RSPCA received over a million calls, including reports of more than 1,000 killings, 7,800 beatings and 38,000 abandonments.
Dermot added: ‘These figures are shocking and deeply upsetting and show why we need your help to save those animals who need us the most now more than ever.
‘As a charity, we are bracing to tackle a summer of suffering but we cannot do this without your help.’
l To report an incident, call: 0300 1234 999
l To support the RSPCA, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/stopcruelty
l Read our story on page 3 of pigeons being shot in Newton Abbot.