THE RSPCA was bracing itself for its busiest period as new figures show that July 10 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 July 10 than any other day over the summer months (Jun-Aug) with a total of 1,157 incidents across England and Wales – 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.
Cassie Newman, Director of Operations at the RSPCA, said: “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 Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre needs the public’s support at this critical time.
“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.”
Five-year-old crossbreed Skye came into the charity’s care after suffering from multiple injuries which had to be treated at one of the charity’s animal hospitals. She took a long while to get to know staff and build up her trust with them and so she will need a patient and understanding owner too.
She is looking for someone who can invest time and energy into teaching her new things as she absolutely loves learning and is such a clever girl. She loves tasty treats and puzzles and is happy zooming around open fields and curling up on a sofa for a snuggle.
She is looking for a quieter home with families who have children of upper secondary school age and older and she would prefer to be the only pet. She has made doggy friends at the centre but can still be a little nervous around them and will need her owner to continue her training with this.
If you think you can offer Skye a loving home please visit her 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. Show your support by visiting the RSPCA’s Summer Cruelty Appeal webpage.
