Bristol has seen a 16% increase
The RSPCA has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the shocking scale of summer animal cruelty(Image: RSPCA/Brett Harkness)
Heartbreaking new figures have revealed the shocking scale of summer animal cruelty in Bristol. The city has seen a 16% increase in cases, according to the RSPCA.
The number of cruelty reports over the summer months in Bristol increased from 175 in 2023 to 203 in 2024. Nationally, in June, July and August last year across England and Wales the RSPCA took 34,401 cruelty calls to its emergency line – a third up on the previous summer.
The animal welfare charity 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 days when more people are out and about means more people are likely to witness incidents of violence.
Cases in Bristol included a dog who was found emaciated after being left to starve. He was rushed for treatment but had to be put to sleep to end his suffering. His owner was later given a 15-year ban on keeping animals.
The RSPCA has released the startling statistics as part of its Summer Cruelty Campaign – showing the side of this season that many people don’t see – when animal cruelty reports peak.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, an expert in cruelty cases, said: “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.”
On average the RSPCA took 374 reports of cruelty against animals every single day last summer across England and Wales – or one call every two minutes the line was open.
Benito the cat was rescued by the RSPCA in the West Midlands after suffering a catalogue of horrific life-threatening injuries (Image: RSPCA/Brett Harkness)
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.
Alesha has lent her support to the campaign and provided a voiceover for the video. She said: “It really made me feel I was helping their work in providing a voice to animals who cannot speak up about the cruelty they may be facing.
“It is shocking and heart breaking 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.”
“I hope supporting their Summer Cruelty Appeal will raise awareness of the amazing work the RSPCA’s staff and volunteers carry out daily while raising vital funds so they continue transforming the lives of so many animals in need.
Find out more about the RSPCA’s summer campaign at rspca.org.uk/endcruelty.