The RSPCA is bracing for its busiest period as new figures show that 10 July is the charity’s busiest summer day with officers dealing with over 1,000 incidents and animal centres and hospitals caring for, rehabilitating and rehoming large numbers of animals.
Last year, the charity’s frontline rescue teams dealt with more animal welfare incidents on 10 July than any other day over the summer months (Jun-Aug) with a total of 1,157 incidents – which is around a whopping 48 incidents every hour.
These incidents include giving advice to owners, transferring animals in need of help, rescuing animals – and also responding to cruelty reports which sadly peak during the summer months.
This comes as the animal welfare charity recently released startling new statistics as part of its Summer Cruelty Campaign – showing the cruel side of summer people don’t see.
In June, July and August last year the RSPCA took 34,401* cruelty calls to their emergency line – compared to 25,887* the year before – up by A THIRD.
On average, the charity received 374 reports of cruelty against animals every single day during this period or one call EVERY two minutes the line was open.
“Many people are often surprised to hear that we receive more reports of cruelty in summer than at any other time of year. This means that not only are our officers incredibly busy responding to reports and rescuing animals from cruelty but our animal centres and hospitals are under even more pressure at a time when they are faced with the kitten season potentially resulting in an increased intake in cats, pets being abandoned when their owners go on holiday, and a peak in cruelty – partly due to the longer days.
“In order to be able to care for all the animals coming through our doors, RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre needs the public’s support at this critical time.Cassie Newman, Director of Operations at the RSPCA
“That’s why we’ve launched the Summer Cruelty Campaign. Together, we can rescue animals from the worst cruelty, provide life-saving treatment, and give them all the care and love they urgently need. We’re so grateful to anyone backing the Summer Cruelty Appeal and choosing to donate.”
RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre in Chester Le Street, County Durham, is caring for lurcher Arti this RSPCA’s busiest summer day
Two-year-old Brindle Lurcher Arti arrived in RSPCA care following an investigation which has meant he’s spent a significant portion of his young life in kennels and can be quite anxious as a result of his challenging past.
He is, however, very friendly towards people and brings joy to those around him. He interacts well with other dogs at the animal centre although he can be quite energetic when playing with other dogs! He will need calm and patient adopters and a home in a quieter area with access to quieter walks to prevent him from feeling overwhelmed. He would be best suited to families with older children (15+).
If you think you can give Arti a loving home, please visit their profile here.
Summer should be a season of joy for animals. Long walks on golden evenings. Zoomies on the beach. Stretching out in the garden to soak up the sun. But there’s a side to summer you don’t see. For thousands of animals, it’s a season of pain, fear and suffering, when cruelty peaks. Support the RSPCA’s Summer Cruelty Appeal at: rspca.org.uk/endcruelty.
