RSPCA warns about an increase in cruelty during the summer months

New data shows an increase in animal cruelty in the summer.

RSPCA warns about an increase in cruelty during the summer months

New data shows an increase in animal cruelty in the summer. The RSPCA warns that pet ownership and financial pressures could lead to more animal cruelty.

While the RSPCA receives approximately 90,000 calls each month to its cruelty number, it sees 134,000 more in the summer.

The call volume also increased 7.9% between summer 2020 and summer 2021.

The charity launched a fundraising campaign to raise funds for its rescue teams at the frontline.

Last year, Somerset saw 157 cruelty reports to the RSPCA.

The number was 139 in Gloucestershire, 96 in Wiltshire, and 71 in Bristol.

Reports can include beatings, mutilations such as ear-cropping, poisonings, and even deaths.

Dermot Murphy, chief inspectorate officers at the RSPCA stated that these figures were shocking and deeply disturbing.

"There are many reasons why cruelty is on the rise during summer months.

"Longer sunny days could lead to more people being out and about and more likely to report abuse.

He said that hot summer days can lead to more people drinking alcohol in sunlight, which can in turn cause violence.

Murphy stated: "This year we are also concerned about the recent increase in pet ownership and the cost of living crisis. This could lead to people really struggling to take care of their pets, which could cause them to lashout, or see more animals being abandoned or surrendered."

A shocking video has been released by the charity following Lauren Bailey's rescue of Buddy, a mastiff cross, by RSPCA Inspector.

The animal suffered second-degree burns from boiling water. It was left in pain for ten days.

Murphy stated, "As charity, we are ready to tackle a season of suffering, but we cannot achieve this without your support,"

The charity said that it needs support to remain on the frontline of animal rescue and cruelty investigations in the UK.

*Refers only to June, July, and August.

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