Reports of Animal Cruelty Surge by One-Third in England and Wales During Summer 2024
The RSPCA has revealed a 33% surge in reports of animal cruelty across England and Wales during the summer of 2024, with 34,401 cases reported between June and August, up from 25,887 in the same period the previous year.
The charity attributes the seasonal spike partly to longer daylight hours and increased outdoor activity, which means more people are likely to witness and report cruelty. Over the full year, total cruelty reports rose from 88,770 in 2023 to 105,250 in 2024, marking a 19% year-on-year increase.
“Summer should be a time of joy, but for thousands of animals, it’s a season of pain, fear and suffering,” said Ian Briggs, RSPCA Chief Inspector.
A Survivor’s Story: Bernie the Rescue Dog
One of the most heart-wrenching cases involved Bernie, a young rescue dog from Nottingham. Found at just 11 months old with extensive injuries — including fractured ribs, a bloodshot eye, and a bruised skull — X-rays revealed a history of repeated abuse. The RSPCA concluded that Bernie had been punched multiple times over at least a 10-minute period.
The man responsible was prosecuted and banned for life from keeping animals, receiving a 12-week suspended sentence, community service, and a fine.
After months in foster care, Bernie was adopted by Amanda Hunt, who called him “the heart of our family.” Though he initially struggled with trust, especially around men, Bernie has transformed into a loving companion. “All he wants is to be loved,” Amanda said. “He’s like my little shadow.”
The Pandemic’s Lingering Effects
Cara Gibbon, the RSPCA officer who helped rescue Bernie, believes the pandemic played a significant role in rising cruelty and abandonment. “People were home more, they got animals, and now they don’t know what to do with them,” she explained.
Dr. Rowena Packer of the Royal Veterinary College added that pandemic-era pets are showing higher rates of problem behaviours, leading inexperienced owners to use harmful training methods — often learned via social media — or to delay veterinary care due to financial strain.
She emphasized the importance of seeking professional guidance, noting that many animal welfare charities offer free behavioral advice.
Government Response
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) stated: “All cases of animal cruelty are unacceptable and should be investigated thoroughly. Offenders can face up to five years in prison and unlimited fines.”