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New RSPCA Figures Reveal 68 Reports Of Summer Cruelty On Isle Of Wight

  • Writer: Dominic  Kureen
    Dominic Kureen
  • 7 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Shocking new figures released by the RSPCA show a massive 33% annual increase in cruelty calls to the charity during the summer period across England and Wales — with 68 reports on the Isle of Wight.

 

The animal welfare charity has released the startling new statistics today (July 1) as part of its Summer Cruelty Campaign — showing the side of this season which many people don’t see - when animal cruelty reports peak.

 

In June, July and August last year across England and Wales the RSPCA took 34,401* cruelty calls to their emergency line - compared to 25,887* the year before - showing an increase by A THIRD.

 

On average it took 374 reports of cruelty against animals every single day during this period or one call EVERY two minutes the line was open.


On the Isle of Wight the number of cruelty reports over the summer months last year stood at 68.


Also on the Island last year, magistrates banned a man from keeping animals for five years following an RSPCA investigation involving the severe neglect of a number of cats in his care.


A number were found to have had untreated health conditions and were living in unsuitable conditions.


Two cats were so poorly they had to be euthanised on welfare grounds but the remaining cats were rescued by the RSPCA and rehomed.

 

To highlight the work the charity is doing to help animals in need a new video - starring singer Alesha Dixon - has been produced which features four pets rescued by the RSPCA from horrific circumstances who are now loving life in new homes.

She said:

“It is shocking and heartbreaking that the RSPCA is reporting a 33% rise in animal cruelty during the summer months with 31 reports of cruelty made to the RSPCA every single hour the line is open, but working together we can save animals from this cruel side of summer.”

The RSPCA fears the surge in summer cruelty is due partly to a fall-out following the increase in pet ownership around the Covid pandemic - while longer summer days when more people are out and about means more people are likely to witness incidents of violence.

 

But according to a new YouGov survey 78% of UK adults are unaware that most cases of animal cruelty are reported in England and Wales during the summer.

 RSPCA Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, an expert in cruelty cases, added:

“We are seeing a shocking rise in the number of seasonal calls reporting animal cruelty to our emergency line. Sadly the summer months tend to be when these reports peak.
“We don’t know for sure why cruelty peaks at this time of year, but  the surge in pet ownership during the pandemic has played a factor, while the longer days mean more people may witness and report such violence.
“This year, sadly, we fear the trend will continue and we are busier than ever rescuing animals from many awful situations.
"Many are broken by violence - not just physically but mentally - and our dedicated network of branches, animal centres and rescue teams work wonders in nursing them back to health and showing them how love can help transform their lives.
“To continue this work we rely on people’s support - just like Alesha Dixon. Together, we can rescue animals from the worst cruelty, provide life-saving treatment, and give them all the care and love they urgently need. We’re so grateful to anyone backing the Summer Cruelty Appeal and choosing to donate.”

For thousands of animals, it’s a season of pain, fear and suffering, when cruelty peaks.


Support the RSPCA’s Summer Cruelty Appeal at: rspca.org.uk/endcruelty

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