Shocking new figures released by RSPCA Cymru show a 4% annual increase in cruelty reports to the charity during the summer period across Wales - with reports on the rise annually too.

The animal welfare charity has released the startling new statistics yesterday (July 1) as part of its Summer Cruelty Campaign - showing the side of this season which many people don’t see - when animal cruelty reports peak.

In June, July and August last year across Wales the RSPCA took 1,884* cruelty calls to their emergency line - compared to 1,807* the year before - showing an increase of 4%. This also follows 1,701 in 2022 and 1,699 reports in 2021 - demonstrating a gradual increase over the past few years.

In these summer months, the RSPCA received 79 reports of animal cruelty in 2024; the exact same figure as in the summer of 2023.

In 2024 - 14 out of the 22* local authorities show an increase in calls during the summer months, with the highest calls coming from 182 calls from Cardiff, 174 calls from Rhondda Cynon Taf, 136 in Carmarthenshire, 118 in Caerphilly and 115 from Swansea.

Just 30 calls were made in Ceredigion, 36 in the Isle of Anglesey and Monmouthshire and Merthyr Tydfil both had 39 over the three month period.

In addition annually across Wales there has also been a rise in the number of cruelty reports as last year in total there were 6,391 reports, a rise from 6,166 in 2023. There were 5,870 reports in 2023.

The RSPCA fears the surge in summer cruelty is due partly to a fall-out following the increase in pet ownership around the Covid pandemic - while longer summer days when more people are out and about means more people are likely to witness incidents of violence.

But according to a new YouGov survey 78% of UK adults are unaware that most cases of animal cruelty are reported in England and Wales during the summer.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, an expert in cruelty cases, added: “We are seeing a shocking rise in the number of seasonal calls reporting animal cruelty to our emergency line. Sadly the summer months tend to be when these reports peak.

“We don’t know for sure why cruelty peaks at this time of year, but the surge in pet ownership during the pandemic has played a factor, while the longer days mean more people may witness and report such violence.

“This year, sadly, we fear the trend will continue and we are busier than ever rescuing animals from many awful situations. Many are broken by violence - not just physically but mentally - and our dedicated network of branches, animal centres and rescue teams work wonders in nursing them back to health and showing them how love can help transform their lives.

“To continue this work we rely on people’s support - just like Alesha Dixon. Together, we can rescue animals from the worst cruelty, provide life-saving treatment, and give them all the care and love they urgently need. We’re so grateful to anyone backing the Summer Cruelty Appeal and choosing to donate.”