Huge increase in area's reports of pets being beaten

DAVID HUNTLEY on worrying data from the RSPCA that shows animal cruelty is rising in the North East

- DAVID HUNTLEY

DISTRESSING figures released by the RSPCA have shown a sharp increase in the amount of animal beating cases across the North East.

According to the data, animal cruelty is on the rise across the country, with one report of abuse made every 15 minutes.

In Tyne and Wear, there was an 85% rise in reports of beatings during the summer months from 2020 to 2024 - 334 reports in total. In Durham, there was a massive 111% rise in reports of beatings during the same period - 332 reports in total.

Across England and Wales, there has been a 105% rise in reports of beatings in summer over the last four years, one every 15 minutes.

Year on year, the number of beating reports has risen by 10% and the charity is braced for this to continue to climb this summer.

The RSPCA is now highlighting these stark figures as part of its Summer Cruelty Campaign. Tragically, for many animals, summer is when cruelty peaks.