Animal cruelty cases in Berkshire are increasing this summer warns animal charity

Animal cruelty in Berkshire has risen, with nearly 400 cases reported in the county this year.

The RSCPA warns it is expecting demand for its services to increase further, anticipating a report every five minutes during the summer.

The charity, which is marking its 200th anniversary this year, said that last summer calls rose 11 per cent compared to 2022, while reports of animal beatings increased by 17 per cent.

Across the country, it has received 44,879 reports of cruelty this year, an increase of two per cent over 2023.

Karen Colman, from the RSPCA welfare oversight team, said: “Sadly, animal cruelty reports are on the rise. In Berkshire alone, we’ve seen 393 animal cruelty reports already this year.

“Reports of intentional harm towards animals and beatings also rose sharply last summer – so we’re preparing for a difficult period ahead."

In a bid to help animals it rescues, it has launched a new fundraising appeal, No Animal Deserves Cruelty.

Donations will pay for rescues and treatments.

As an example, the charity recently rescued two caged rabbits dumped in a Berkshire car park and found by a taxi driver.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Chloe Wilson said: “We’re really grateful to the person that found these rabbits, as they were in a very vulnerable position, having been abandoned inside a cage in a car park.

“I dread to think what could have happened to them if they hadn’t been found.

“We know times are tough, but dumping defenceless animals is never the answer. You have no idea if someone will find and care for your pet.

“Leaving them shut in a cage by a car park with no access to food and water is totally unforgivable and cruel.”

The RSPCA says it hopes support from Berkshire residents will make a difference for animals this year.

Visit www.rspca.org.uk/appeal for more details, or to make a donation.

“Summer is a really challenging time for us. We are braced for another busy season on the frontline, but we cannot do this alone,” said Ms Wilson.