By Joshua Robinson – 

The RSPCA has warned that animal cruelty is on the rise, with the charity receiving 5,137 cruelty reports so far this year in the Yorkshire counties alone, with its busiest period yet to come.

The new figures, released on Wednesday 17th July by the RSPCA, show there have already been 44,879 reports of cruelty towards animals so far this year across England and Wales up to the end of June. This is more than two percent higher than the 43,983 calls received during the same timeframe last year.

The county figures are:

• East Yorkshire – 619
• North Yorkshire – 946
• South Yorkshire – 1,349
• West Yorkshire – 2,223

Last year saw the charity receive a report of animal cruelty every five minutes during its busiest summer months. Last summer, reports of intentional harm towards animals rose by 11% compared with the previous year, with animal beating reports also rising by 17%.

The animal welfare charity has now launched its ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ summer appeal as it responds to this seasonal peak in cruelty.

Karen Colman, who heads up the RSPCA welfare oversight team, said: “Sadly, animal cruelty reports are on the rise this year – and in the Yorkshire counties alone, we’ve seen 5,137 animal cruelty reports already this year.”

“Reports of international harm towards animals and beatings also rose sharply across the country last summer – so we’re preparing for a difficult period ahead.”

“But rescuing animals from cruelty, investigating harm caused to them, and acting to prevent animal abuse, is a job no other charity does. We’ll always be here to pick up the pieces and show those animals the kindness and care they deserve.”

The RSPCA hopes support from people across Yorkshire will help make the difference for animals this year.

Karen added: “Summer is a really challenging time for us – and we’re braced for another busy season on the frontline, but we cannot do this alone.”

“That’s why our ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ summer appeal seeks to tackle the rising levels of cruelty by raising vital funds to help those animals in desperate need – because every animal deserves kindness.”

Cruelty Incidents the RSPCA Dealt With:

East Yorkshire: The RSPCA launched an investigation after a young spaniel was found beaten and abandoned in a Hull cemetery with a life-threatening leg wound.

A member of the public came across the dying dog in Northern Cemetery in Hull on March 17th and rushed her to a nearby veterinary surgery. The vets were so concerned about the nature of her injuries they called the RSPCA to investigate.

Inspector Laura Barber told how the pet had a serious life-threatening infection and she was so poorly she could hardly lift her head. Fortunately she began to recover and was taken to the York, Harrogate and District RSPCA branch where she was named Dee Dee and her sweet nature shone through. Dee Dee has since been rehomed by the RSPCA but the person responsible for leaving her has not been found.

Dee Dee from East Yorkshire

South Yorkshire: An emaciated dog with 98% fur loss was found close to death after the pet was abandoned in Barnsley.

South Yorkshire Police came across the neglected dog in Huddersfield Road in April last year and due to his appalling condition contacted the RSPCA for help.

Inspector Ben Cottle-Shaw, who said it was the most emaciated dog he had seen alive in his career, rushed for emergency veterinary treatment where he was also diagnosed with an untreated skin condition and had an infected tail which was so bad the tip fell off.

Ben said: “He was shut down and had given up on life – I was really worried he may not make the short journey to the vets. But once there he was such a friendly little boy in spite of all the suffering.”

He was called Luca by rescuers and was taken to RSPCA Felledge Centre in County Durham where he made a remarkable recovery and has since been rehomed and is loving life.

The person responsible for leaving Luca close to death has not been found.

Loki’s Story:

One of the many animals rescued from cruelty and neglect by the RSPCA is Loki. If his vet hadn’t called the RSPA, Loki could still be suffering at the hands of his abuser.

Loki’s vet called the RSPCA to investigate because she suspected cruelty. The puppy was covered in lumps, swellings, and bruises. X-rays revealed his ribs and paws were fractured all over.

His vet confirmed he was suffering and a police officer handed him safely into RSPCA care. Loki was rescued by RSPCA Inspector Zoe Ballard who recently had the chance to be reunited with him to see him living his life to the full in his happy new home.

Loki

RSPCA Inspector Zoe Ballard said: “It’s just unbelievable. I didn’t think I’d see him like he is now in his new home. He deserves this happy ending.”

“Seeing him today there is a twinkle in his eye. So different from that little puppy I met that first day.”

“It was like a light had gone out but to see him now, he’s so happy. He’s like a different dog and it means everything. Our job isn’t easy, as you can probably imagine but this is the reason we do what we do.”

Once the RSPCA had brought Loki’s former owner to justice, which saw them banned for life from keeping animals, the charity found him a happy new home with loving owners.

Loki

Zoe added: “Cases like Loki, unfortunately, are not as rare as you may like. Cruelty continues and that’s why we are here.”

In summer 2023, the animal welfare charity received 285 reports of cruelty every single day and so far in 2024 nearly 45,000 reports of cruelty have been seen by the charity’s dedicated rescue teams.

Zoe further added: “Although these horrific acts of cruelty happen,there are a lot of good people out there looking out for animals as well.”

“Traumatised animals like Loki can heal and thrive when they’re given expert vet care, loving kindness and careful, patient rehabilitation. And, with your help, we’re here to offer just that.”

“No animal deserves heartbreaking abuse. Animals are like us: they feel desperation, confusion and terror. They feel every punch, every broken bone and every burn. That’s why as we mark our 200th birthday, we’ve launched this summer cruelty appeal.”

“Together, we must stand against cruelty and continue to be there for the animals who desperately need our help now. To rescue them from harm and give them the lives they deserve – free from terror and torment and full of care and kindness.”

More Information:

More information on the RSPCA’s No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal can be found on the charity’s website.

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