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 London 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 London, the number of cruelty reports over the summer months increased from 2,195 (2023) to 2,259 last year – making it the cruellest area – and has seen an increase of 2%.

In a case heard at Wimbledon Magistrates a woman from South London pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences after her pet dog was found to be suffering from severe burns.

The RSPCA launched an investigation after the puppy was presented to a vet with severe chemical burns to her body and was in severe pain. The woman was given a curfew in court last September and the pet has since recovered in RSPCA care and has been rehomed.

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 has lent her support to the campaign and provided a voiceover for the video which includes the stories of:

Bella from Leicester (pictured) – a young emaciated Staffordshire bull terrier-cross who was found battered and living in a cage at a flat in Leicester – but is now living her best life in a new home. The person responsible was banned from keeping animals for life and was jailed.

Bernie (pictured below) – an 11 month-old bulldog who was beaten by his previous owner, leaving him struggling to stand, with multiple fractures, bruises to his head and a bloodshot eye. Bernie now has a loving life in Nottingham.