RSPCA Reports 105% Rise in Summer Animal Beatings Across England and Wales

New data from the RSPCA reveals a significant rise in reports of animal beatings across multiple regions in England and Wales during the summer months between 2020 and 2024. The Isle of Wight saw an 88% increase in such reports, while Dorset experienced a 126% surge, and the West Midlands reported a 107% rise, making it one of the highest in the country. Hertfordshire also recorded a doubling of incidents with 243 reports in 2024 alone. Nationally, reports of animal beatings in July and August have more than doubled, rising 105% from 1,613 cases in 2020 to 3,304 in 2024, equating to one report every 15 minutes when the RSPCA cruelty line is open. Ian Briggs, Head of SOU at the RSPCA, emphasized the distressing nature of these figures and suggested that increased use of CCTV, doorbell cameras, and smartphones might contribute to more reports being made. The RSPCA's Summer Cruelty Campaign aims to raise awareness and seek support to tackle the growing problem of animal cruelty during the summer season.