RSPCA reports 64% increase in summer animal cruelty reports

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has reported a significant nationwide increase in animal cruelty reports this summer, with the charity describing a five-year trend as "incredibly alarming." New statistics released on Tuesday, July 7, show the RSPCA received 6,322 calls to its emergency line during June, July, and August of last year, a 64 percent increase compared to the same summer period in 2021.

The figures, part of the charity's "Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues" fundraising campaign, highlight the summer months as its busiest period. Nationally, cruelty reports have continued to climb annually, with 21,117 calls recorded in 2025 compared to 17,260 in 2024, a 22 percent increase. The charity's frontline teams are currently rescuing animals from what officials describe as "many awful situations," with emergency kennels and catteries at full capacity.

Regional data reveals varying trends. Lancashire recorded 166 summer cruelty reports last year, a 20 percent increase from the previous summer, placing it among the top ten counties for incident numbers. In one disturbing case, the remains of five dogs were found dumped on a country lane near Greenhalgh....