RSPCA warns of more animal suffering after cruelty cases rise

Shocking figures from the RSPCA show an alarming increase in intentional cruelty against animals with a 24 percent growth in cruelty reports in the county.

There were 128 reports in Buckinghamshire last year compared to 103 in 2021.

RSPCA’s acting chief inspector for Buckinghamshire Stephen Reeves said: “Right now, animal cruelty is happening in England and Wales on a massive scale and rising.  and sadly the number of cruelty incidents in Buckinghamshire are also too high.  It is heartbreaking that we are seeing figures which show animal cruelty is, very sadly, on the rise.

“While we don’t know for certain why there has been an increase in reports of cruelty, the cost-of-living crisis and the post-pandemic world we live in has created an animal welfare crisis with more people getting pets with potentially less time and money to care for them.

“Each year, these reports of cruelty reach its terrible annual peak in the summer months – when nationally we receive a report of an animal being beaten on average every hour of every day.

“The cost-of-living crisis also means the cost of rescuing animals is at an all-time high and our vital services are stretched to the limit.”

As a result of the concerning trend, the RSPCA was warned of one of its busiest seasons as it braces itself for another summer of suffering for innocent animals with more people reporting cruelty incidents from July to September, the charity said.

One of the victims of cruelty in Buckinghamshire was a dog named Bluey, who arrived to the RSPCA’s Blackberry Animal Centre after she was beaten and verbally abused by her previous owner.

Bluey was rescued from her previous owner and taken to an RSPCA rescue centre in Buckinghamshire (Image: RSPCA)

Animal care assistant at the centre Lauren Atkins said Bluey had also been kept outdoors in “unsuitable” conditions.

She said: “She found being here quite scary to start with and would find objects - especially if someone was holding something - quite scary. She found coming into our care frightening too and often barked at people she didn’t know.

“But she has come a long way - once you earn her trust she will become your best friend and enjoys a fuss, a cheeky treat and a play.”

It is not known why animal cruelty incidents peak in the summer months, but the RSPCA suspects animal abuse being more visible as people are outdoors more could be one factor.

Nationally, the number of reports made to the animal charity’s dedicated cruelty line about intentional harm to animals, including beatings, mutilations such as ear cropping, poisonings and even killings, has increased by 14 percent.

The helpline received 12,582 reports last year compared to 11,012 in 2021.

Now RSPCA has launched its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign with a plead for donations from the public to help fight animal cruelty.