Reports of summer animal cruelty up in South East

The South East of England has seen a rise of more than 15% in animal cruelty reports in the summer months, according to RSPCA data shared with the BBC.

The charity received 2,039 reports from Surrey, Kent, and East and West Sussex between June and August 2024, up from 1,766 reports in the same period the year before.

The data also shows that reports have risen nationally by 33%.

The government says it is committed to upholding the highest animal welfare standards and that "all cases of animal cruelty are unacceptable".

Kent received the most reports in the region, seeing an increase of 10% with 903 in June and August 2024.

Across both East and West Sussex, there were 738 animal animal cruelty reports in the same period, up more than 18% on the previous year.

While Surrey had the biggest increase in the region with a rise of 34% - 398 reports between June and August 2024, up from 298 in 2023.

Speaking on BBC Radio Surrey, RSPCA animal rescue officer Ben Fitzcosta said the summer was the local branch's busiest period.

"We are slightly concerned how much that is going to increase this year," he added.

The RPSCA says it fears the national increase is due partly to a fall-out following the rise in pet ownership during the pandemic.

The charity says it also usually sees a spike in reports over the summer as longer days mean more people are out and likely to spot cruelty.

RSPCA chief inspector Ian Briggs said: "This year, sadly, we fear the trend will continue and we are already busier than ever rescuing animals from many awful situations."

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