SHOCKING new figures released by the RSPCA show a massive 33% annual increase in cruelty reports to the charity during the summer period across England and Wales – with reports on the rise in Essex too.

The animal welfare charity has released the startling new statistics today (July 1) as part of its Summer Cruelty Campaign – showing the side of this season which many people don’t see – when animal cruelty reports peak.

In June, July and August last year across England and Wales the RSPCA took 34,401* cruelty calls to their emergency line – compared to 25,887* the year before – showing an increase by A THIRD.

On average it took 374 reports of cruelty against animals every single day during this period or one call EVERY two minutes the line was open.

And in Essex the number of cruelty reports over the summer months increased from 752 (2023) to 862 reports last year – a 14% increase.

The RSPCA launched an investigation in Essex after a dog was seen being abused in a block of flats and a man was given a five year ban on keeping dogs following the court case which was heard in July last year.

The actions were caught on ring doorbell footage and shows the pet scared and trying to run away during the incident which happened in 2023. The dog was rescued and taken into RSPCA care for rehoming.

To highlight the work the charity is doing to help animals in need a new video – starring singer Alesha Dixon – has been produced which features four pets rescued by the RSPCA from horrific circumstances who are now loving life in new homes.

Alesha, who is a judge on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, said: “The RSPCA’s rescue and rehabilitation work gives victims of cruelty like Bernie, Bella, Berlioz and Benito another chance of a happy life. The charity also works hard to bring those responsible for such abuse to justice.

“I hope supporting their Summer Cruelty Appeal will raise awareness of the amazing work the RSPCA’s staff and volunteers carry out daily while raising vital funds so they continue transforming the lives of so many animals in need.

“It really made me feel I was helping their work in providing a voice to animals who cannot speak up about the cruelty they may be facing.

It is shocking and heartbreaking that the RSPCA is reporting a 33% rise in animal cruelty during the summer months with 31 reports of cruelty made to the RSPCA every single hour the line is open, but working together we can save animals from this cruel side of summer.”

The RSPCA fears the surge in summer cruelty is due partly to a fall-out following the increase in pet ownership around the Covid pandemic – while longer summer days when more people are out and about means more people are likely to witness incidents of violence.

But according to a new YouGov survey 78% of UK adults are unaware that most cases of animal cruelty are reported in England and Wales during the summer.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, an expert in cruelty cases, added: “We are seeing a shocking rise in the number of seasonal calls reporting animal cruelty to our emergency line. Sadly the summer months tend to be when these reports peak.

“We don’t know for sure why cruelty peaks at this time of year, but the surge in pet ownership during the pandemic has played a factor, while the longer days mean more people may witness and report such violence.

“This year, sadly, we fear the trend will continue and we are busier than ever rescuing animals from many awful situations. Many are broken by violence – not just physically but mentally – and our dedicated network of branches, animal centres and rescue teams work wonders in nursing them back to health and showing them how love can help transform their lives.