RSPCA: Rise in animal cruelty during summer in Wales
New figures by RSPCA Cymru show a 4% annual increase in cruelty reports during the summer period across Wales
New RSPCA Cymru figures reveal 1,884 reports of summer cruelty in Wales
The charity's research shows a 4% annual increase in cruelty reports to the charity during the summer period across Wales - with reports on the rise annually too.
Thirteen out of 22 counties in Wales show an increase during the summer:
The animal welfare charity has released the new statistics today as part of its Summer Cruelty Campaign - when animal cruelty reports peak.
In June, July and August last year across Wales the RSPCA took 1,884 cruelty calls to their emergency line - compared to 1,807 the year before - showing an increase of 4%.
This also follows 1,701 in 2022 and 1,699 reports in 2021 - demonstrating a gradual increase over the past few years.
In 2024 - 14 out of the 22 local authorities show an increase in calls during the summer months, with the highest calls coming from 182 calls from Cardiff, 174 calls from Rhondda Cynon Taf, 136 in Carmarthenshire, 118 in Caerphilly and 115 from Swansea.
Annually across Wales there has been a rise in the number of cruelty reports:
In addition annually across Wales there has also been a rise in the number of cruelty reports as last year in total there were 6,391 reports, a rise from 6,166 in 2023. There were 5,870 reports in 2023.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Ian Briggs says:
“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."