126% rise in reports of animal abuse in Dorset
The RSPCA is warning that the summer is when cruelty peaks.
Shocking new figures reveal the number of reports of animals being abused in Dorset are on the rise.
According to the RSPCA, in Dorset there has been a huge 126% rise in reports of beatings during the summer months from 2020 to 2024 (19 vs 43) and 175 reports in total.
The charity is highlighting the stark figures as part of its Summer Cruelty Campaign. Instead of a time of sunshine and fun, for many animals, summer is when cruelty peaks.
Across England and Wales, there has been a 105% rise in reports of beatings in summer over the last four years (1,613 for July/August 2020 to 3,304 in July/August 2024) with four beatings reported every hour or one every 15 minutes the call line is open.
Year on year the number of beating reports has risen by 10% and the charity says it's braced for this to continue to climb this summer.
In Dorset, Chihuahua-cross puppy Poppy was rescued by the RSPCA after she was found suffering with broken legs and ribs following a series of attacks. Poppy now lives life to the full with her owner in Milford on Sea where she enjoys daily walks to the beach.
Ian Briggs, Head of SOU at the RSPCA, 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 in abuse against animals, 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 to highlight that for thousands of animals, summer is a season of pain and suffering when cruelty peaks. As the RSPCA braces to help tackle animal cruelty, we need your help now more than ever to continue to rescue animals in desperate need of care.”