Rise In Reports Of Animal Beatings On The Isle Of Wight

The Isle of Wight has seen a sharp rise in reports of animals being beaten, according to new figures released by the RSPCA.

Between 2020 and 2024, reports of beatings during the summer months on the Island rose by 88% — from 9 incidents in 2020 to 17 in 2024.

In total, 42 reports were made over that four-year period.

The figures form part of the RSPCA’s Summer Cruelty Campaign, which highlights how summer — often seen as a season of leisure and family time — is, for many animals, the period when cruelty peaks.

Across England and Wales, reports of beatings in July and August more than doubled over the same period, rising 105% from 1,613 cases in 2020 to 3,304 in 2024.

That equates to four reports every hour, or one every 15 minutes while the charity’s cruelty line is open.

Ian Briggs, Head of the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit, said:

“These are really distressing and stark figures. One report of an animal being beaten every half an hour is a horrible thought, but sadly this is the reality in summer when our cruelty line receives a beating report every 30 minutes.

"It isn’t clear why there has been such a dramatic increase, but what is clear is that animals are suffering at the hands of people on a much bigger scale than many people realise. This is why our Summer Cruelty Campaign is so important.”

Nationally, dogs were the most likely pet to be beaten, with almost 21,000 reports made last year alone.

Bulldog breeds were most commonly affected, with 6,670 reports between 2022 and 2024, followed by Staffordshire Bull Terriers (4,786).

By contrast, just 22 cases involved Old English Sheepdogs and 58 involved West Highland Terriers.

The RSPCA says it is braced for reports to continue to rise this summer and is appealing for public support to help rescue and protect animals in need.