By Amie Strachan

LATEST figures from the RSPCA show an increase in intentional cruelty against animals including 378 reports in Essex last year- an increase of 29% compared to 2021.

The number of reports made nationally to the charity’s cruelty line regarding intentional harm to animals- including mutilations, poisonings and killings- has increased by 14%, with 2,582 cases reported last year compared to 11,012 reports in 2021. In Essex there were 378 reports of intentional harm against animals made to the RSPCA last year compared to 292 in 2021. The national figures, exclusively released by the RSPCA, show that 77% of all cruelty complaints reported to the charity 2022 were beatings, while the number of animals killed in ‘suspicious circumstances’ also increased by 15% as of last year.

‘Heart-breaking that animal cruelty is on the rise’

Adam Jones, chief inspector for Essex 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 Essex 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.

Animal cruelty incident in Essex

A DEAD HORSE was found dumped ‘like rubbish’ down a bridleway in Essex. The horrific discovery was made by a member of the general public on March 18 at around 6am on a bridleway in Bassett’s Lane, Ongar. The individual called the police who attended the scene of the incident and subsequently informed the RSPCA and another attending officer. The reporting officer at the scene stated “There was no evidence that the horse had been moving or struggling where she was found so she may have died before she was dumped”.

The brown and white skewbald mare did have several injuries including a six inch diamond gash wound on her left flank. The horse was also bleeding from her tail and there was evidence of foam around her mouth. It was stated that she had clearly been owned as her tail was plaited, her mane was cropped and she was wearing shoes – but she was not microchipped. Tyre tracks were also visible on the bridleway – which is likely how the person responsible had transported her.

‘Cancel Out Cruelty’ campaign

Currently, the RSPCA is the only charity in England and Wales investigating incidents of cruelty and neglect. With the rise in cruelty cases, the RSPCA receives a call to investigate allegations of abuse every 30 seconds. During the summer months, the RSPCA unfortunately sees a peak in cases of cruelty. To tackle this increase, the RSPCA has launched a new campaign ‘Cancel Out Cruelty’, aiming to raise funds to support its frontline teams and animal rescue officers as well as raise awareness about how to stop animal abuse altogether.

To help support the RSPCA, visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/stopcruelty.

Donating as little as two pounds could help to provide a meal for a dog or a cat in RSPCA care.

Images courtesy of the RSPCA