# RSPCA animal welfare crisis in England and Wales

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rspca-animal-welfare-crisis-in-england-and-wales
> Updated: 2026-09-19T04:00:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The RSPCA has reported significant increases in various forms of animal welfare crises across England and Wales. Data indicates a 90% rise in intentional animal beating incidents since 2021, with 16,033 cases recorded last year. In Wales, reports of beatings rose by 61% over five years, with most incidents occurring in Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, and Neath Port Talbot.

Simultaneously, the charity is facing a surge in mass-cat rescues, noting a 67% increase in incidents involving 10 or more cats in a single property over the last year. This represents a 186% increase compared to 2021 figures. These rising numbers are placing unprecedented pressure on RSPCA resources, particularly as cat breeding peaks between May and September.

## Claims

- The RSPCA is facing unprecedented pressure on its resources in England and Wales due to mass-cat rescues. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The RSPCA dealt with 1,752 mass-cat incidents involving 10 or more cats in one property last year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Mass-cat incidents rose by 67 per cent from 1,045 in 2024 to 1,752 last year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Mass-cat incidents increased by 186 per cent compared to the 613 recorded in 2021. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Approximately 20,000 cats entered RSPCA care in 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: RSPCA reports 67 per cent rise in mass-cat rescues

The RSPCA reports a 67 per cent rise in mass-cat rescues, with 1,752 incidents involving 10 or more cats recorded last year, placing unprecedented pressure on animal welfare resources in England and Wales.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rspca-reports-67-per-cent-rise-in-mass-cat-rescues

### 2026-08-26: RSPCA reports 90% rise in animal beating incidents

The RSPCA reports a 90% increase in animal beating incidents across England and Wales since 2021, with reports occurring every 15 minutes. Wales saw a 61% rise in such cases over five years.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rspca-reports-90-rise-in-animal-beating-incidents

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Cite as: RSPCA animal welfare crisis in England and Wales. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rspca-animal-welfare-crisis-in-england-and-wales