The RSPCA has warned that animal cruelty is on the rise - with the charity receiving 368 cruelty reports so far this year in Oxfordshire alone, with its busiest period yet to come.

The new figures, exclusively released this week by the RSPCA, show there have already been 44,879 reports of cruelty towards animals so far this year across England and Wales up to the end of June.

This is more than two per cent higher than the 43,983 calls received during the same timeframe last year.

Cruelty is rising even more quickly in Oxfordshire - with reports locally up by 6.05 per cent this year. 

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But the worst could be yet to come. Last year saw the charity receive a report of animal cruelty every five minutes during its busiest summer months - and its officers are now braced for another busy period.

Last summer, reports of intentional harm towards animals rose by 11 per cent compared with the previous year, with animal beating reports also rose sharply - by 17 per cent.

The animal welfare charity has now launched its ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ summer appeal as it responds to this seasonal peak in cruelty.

Karen Colman, who heads up the RSPCA welfare oversight team, said: “Sadly, animal cruelty reports are on the rise this year - and in Oxfordshire alone, we’ve seen 368 animal cruelty reports already this year.

“Reports of international harm towards animals and beatings also rose sharply across the country last summer - so we’re preparing for a difficult period ahead.

“But rescuing animals from cruelty, investigating harm caused to them, and acting to prevent animal abuse, is a job no other charity does. We’ll always be here to pick up the pieces and show those animals the kindness and care they deserve.”

Loki who was rescued by the RSPCA in Oxfordshire Loki who was rescued by the RSPCA in Oxfordshire (Image: RSPCA) The RSPCA hopes support from people across Oxfordshire will help make the difference for animals this year.

“Summer is a really challenging time for us - and we’re braced for another busy season on the frontline, but we cannot do this alone.” added Ms Colman.

“That’s why our ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ summer appeal seeks to tackle the rising and alarming levels of cruelty by raising vital funds to help those animals in desperate need - because every animal deserves kindness.”

In September 2023, the RSPCA appealed for information after a dead dog was discovered on a public footpath in the county tied to a plastic bag. 

A member of the public found the body of the male Rottweiler near Keens Lane in Chinnor and reported the discovery to the animal welfare charity.

The dog had black plastic around its stomach that appeared to have been used to drag him along the track and calluses on his elbows which are commonly seen in dogs who live outside.