THE RSPCA has warned that animal cruelty is on the rise, with 866 cruelty reports made in Somerset so far this year and the busiest period yet to come.

The new figures, released on July 17 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 Somerset, with reports locally up by 10.32% this year, and the charity says the worst could be yet to come.

Last year the charity received a report of animal cruelty every five minutes during its busiest summer months, and reports of intentional harm towards animals rose by 11% compared with the previous summer. Animal beating reports also rose sharply, by 17%.

The animal welfare charity has 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 Somerset alone, we’ve seen 866 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.”

In June, the RSPCA asked for help to find out more about an elderly neglected dog who was found with missing fur and sore skin in Somerset.

The female German Shepherd named Lola was found straying in Yeovil on June 18 with a chronic skin condition that had left her missing fur all over her body.

She was helped by a member of the public before being rescued by the council’s dog warden, who took Lola to a vet and contacted the animal welfare charity to investigate as they had concerns about her untreated skin condition.

RSPCA Inspector Jo Story said: “Her skin is sore and infected. She has no hair over the main part of her body and back and she has very grey thickened skin so this condition will have been going on for some time. 

“We’d like to thank everyone who helped Lola get the help she needed as quickly as possible.

"She’s now getting the care and attention she needs with the team at St Giles Animal Centre."

Another of the many animals rescued from cruelty and neglect and transformed by the RSPCA is Loki. If his vet hadn’t called the RSPCA, gentle Loki could still be suffering at the hands of his abuser. 

Loki’s vet called the RSPCA to investigate because she suspected cruelty. The puppy was covered in lumps, swellings and bruises. X-rays revealed his ribs and paws were fractured all over. Despite the pain he must have been in, Loki greeted his rescuers with a wagging tail. 

His vet confirmed he was suffering and a police officer handed him safely into RSPCA care. 

He was rescued by RSPCA Inspector Zoe Ballard who recently had the chance to be reunited with him to see him living his life to the full in his happy new home.

“It’s just unbelievable. I didn’t think I’d see him like he is now in his new home. He deserves this happy ending,” said Zoe, as she fought back tears upon seeing the joyful dog who once faced such a bleak reality.

She added: “Seeing him today there is a twinkle in his eye. So different from that little puppy I met that first day.

“It was like a light had gone out but to see him now, he’s so happy. He’s like a different dog and it means everything. Our job isn’t easy, as you can probably imagine, but this is the reason we do what we do.”

Once the RSPCA had brought Loki’s former owner to justice, which saw them banned for life from keeping animals, the charity found him a happy new home with loving owners.

The friendly puppy got a second chance at life - thanks to those who stood up for him, but too many other animals are still facing unspeakable cruelty alone. 

Zoe said: “Cases like Loki, unfortunately, are not as rare as you may like. Cruelty continues and that’s why we are here."

In summer 2023, the animal welfare charity received 285 reports of cruelty every single day and - so far in 2024 cruelty has been rising, with nearly 45,000 reports of cruelty taken by the charity’s dedicated rescue teams.

Zoe added: "No animal deserves heartbreaking abuse. Animals are like us: they feel desperation, confusion and terror. They feel every punch, every broken bone and every burn.  That’s why as we mark our 200th birthday, we’ve launched this summer cruelty appeal. 

"Together, we must stand against cruelty and continue to be there for the animals who desperately need our help now. To rescue them from harm and give them the lives they deserve – free from terror and torment and full of care and kindness."

More information on the RSPCA’s No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal can be found on the charity's website, rspca.org.uk/summercruelty.