The RSPCA has revealed a significant increase in dogs being victims of cruelty since the start of the pandemic with 10 reports AN HOUR.
New figures released today by the RSPCA, as part of the animal welfare charity’s Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, show that there were 44,427 reports of dog cruelty made to the RSPCA involving 92,244 dogs last year - a 16% increase since 2020.
In Buckinghamshire, 452 reports of dog cruelty were made during this period, with 78 classed as intentional harm.
The charity is concerned that with more people becoming dog owners during lockdown, the number of cruelty incidents will continue to increase.
The RSPCA is also worried more dogs will fall victim to abuse and abandonments due to the cost of living crisis.
The new Cancel Out Cruelty campaign has been launched as a result of the increasing numbers with aims to raise funds to keep its rescue teams on the frontline saving animals in desperate need of help as well as raise awareness.
RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “Every year, we see many dogs coming into our care bearing the physical and mental scars that were inflicted at the hands of the very people who were meant to keep them safe and love them unconditionally.
“We are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers and dogs are ‘man’s best friend’ as the saying goes but in reality we receive many cruelty reports every day about dogs who have suffered the most unimaginable cruelty and a 16% increase of dogs being cruelly treated in a year is really concerning.
“Our officers have dealt with all sorts of horrific incidents including dogs repeatedly beaten, stabbed, burned, drowned, poisoned, some have been left to die from starvation."
She said that during the summer months they see a rise in cruelty reports.
