Flintshire tops cruelty charts: RSPCA reveals shocking rise in animal abuse
According to new RSPCA Cymru data, Flintshire saw the highest number of calls across the whole of north Wales reporting deliberate cruelty to animals in 2022.
The animal charity has released alarming figures showing a 9% rise in reports of intentional harm to animals in Wales, with incidents peaking during the summer months, 54 were reported in Flintshire.
Flintshire also saw 179 cases of animal neglect reported last year, again the highest across the six north Wales counties.
The figures released by the RSPCA reveal a worrying trend, calls relating to intentional harm in Wales have increased from 691 in 2021 to 753 in 2022, marking a 9% increase.
In 2022, the total number of complaints of alleged cruelty across Wales was 5,632.
Reports of intentional harm were highest in July, August, and September, with 73, 83, and 82 calls respectively.
In response to these distressing statistics, RSPCA has launched its ‘Cancel Out Cruelty’ campaign.
The initiative aims to raise funds to support the charity’s frontline rescue teams, who work tirelessly to save animals from cruelty and abuse. The campaign also seeks to raise awareness about how to permanently end animal cruelty.
The charity is now preparing for what could be one of its busiest summers yet.
Dermot Murphy, RSPCA Inspectorate Commissioner, expressed his concern, stating, “It is heartbreaking that we are seeing such sad figures which show animal cruelty is, very sadly, on the rise.”
Dermot suggested that the cost of living crisis and the post-pandemic world may have contributed to the increase in cruelty reports, as more people acquired pets without having the necessary time and resources to care for them.
The RSPCA, the only charity in England and Wales that rescues animals and investigates cruelty, is facing an all-time high cost of rescuing animals, with its services stretched to the limit.
Dermot added, “Together, we believe we can and will cancel out cruelty to animals by replacing violence with kindness. We are urging people to donate to our Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, every donation will help animals.”
Incidents of cruelty in Wales include a South Wales man was caught on CCTV abusing his German Shepherd last summer after footage showed him kicking the dog and hanging him from a fence with his lead.
Last month the RSPCA revealed a hedgehog was found alive but covered in blood with its intestines trailing out, in a bedroom drawer. Despite being rushed to a vet immediately, the hedgehog was sadly put to sleep to prevent further suffering.
- The RSPCA’s frontline teams are working hard to rescue animals in need this summer but we can’t do it alone – we need your help to Cancel Out Cruelty. To help support the RSPCA, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/stopcruelty
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