Cruelty crisis: Shocking new figures show a pet is beaten every 30 mins

Animal welfare chiefs have branded the summer a "cruelty crisis" as shocking new figures reveal more than 700 reports of animal beatings in West Yorkshire.

- by Laura Collins

The RSPCA has warned that animal cruelty is on the rise with one report of abuse made every 15 minutes the call line is open.

West Yorkshire is third in a league table of shame with 719 reports of beating during the summer.

The charity is calling for action as part of its Summer Cruelty Campaign - a time when abuse peaks for pets.

New figures reveal there has been a huge 101 per cent rise in reports of beatings in West Yorkshire during the summer months from 2020 to 2024 (92 vs 185).

There have been 719 reports in total meaning the county has the third highest figures in England and Wales.

Among those animals was female Akita Snowy. She was hit over the head with a shovel before her owner then stamped on her head.