New figures from the RSPCA show that there were 4,268 reports of intentional harm inflicted on animals during this summer.
As part of its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, the RSPCA has revealed the scale of calls about intentional cruelty that the animal welfare charity has received between June 1 and August 31.
The charity said it received 492,471 calls to its cruelty hotline over the summer, including 271 calls about attempted killings, 3,059 calls about animals being beaten, 421 reports of improper killings, 181 reports of mutilations, and 304 reports of animals being harmed in suspicious circumstances.
RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “For our frontline officers, rescuing animals from horrific circumstances never stops. We receive more incidents of deliberate harm to animals over the summer months than any other time of year, which is heartbreaking.
“This is why we launched our Cancel Out Cruelty campaign this summer, to raise awareness and help people to understand how they can support us to help animals in need.”
Mr Sherwood added: “There is no place for cruelty to animals in today’s society and we urge anyone who has concerns for an animal to call the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999. We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us. The public are our eyes and ears as we work together to help improve animal welfare and promote animal kindness.”
