RSPCA reports 90% rise in animal beating incidents

The RSPCA has reported a significant rise in animal cruelty, specifically regarding intentional beatings. Across England and Wales, 16,033 beating incidents were recorded last year, representing a 90% increase since 2021. This frequency equates to one report being received by the charity every 15 minutes.

In Wales, reports of animal beatings increased by 61% over five years, rising from 523 incidents in 2021 to 840 last year. Most reports in Wales originated from Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, and Neath Port Talbot. Notably, 21 out of 22 Welsh local authorities saw an increase in reports since 2021, with Ceredigion and the Isle of Anglesey seeing the highest percentage rises.

According to the RSPCA, dogs and cats are the most frequent victims, and the violence is often perpetrated by members of the pet’s own family. RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst noted that these cases often result in both physical injuries and mental scars for the animals. The statistics were released as part of the ‘Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues’ campaign.