Overview

• The RSPCA has recorded a 33% national increase in cruelty calls this summer, rising from 25,887 to 34,401 reports over June to August.
• Regional data show that Worcestershire saw a 14% uptick and Dorset an 8% rise in reports, reflecting similar spikes elsewhere.
• One female Cocker Spaniel found emaciated in Hartlebury had to be euthanised, while a Dorset chihuahua-cross with broken limbs has since recovered and led to the owner receiving a ten-year animal-keeping ban.
• The Summer Cruelty Campaign launched on July 1 with new statistics and a video featuring singer Alesha Dixon to raise public awareness.
• The charity is urging tougher enforcement, increased funding for rescue efforts and greater public vigilance as it attributes the surge partly to pandemic-driven pet ownership and longer daylight hours.