THE RSPCA has warned that animal cruelty is on the rise, with the charity receiving 1,078 cruelty reports from Hampshire so far this year.

New figures released by the charity on Wednesday, July 17, show that there have been 44,879 reports of cruelty to 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.

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The charity has warned that reports of animal abuse could rise over the coming months, after it received a report of cruelty every five minutes during the summer months last year.

Last summer, reports of intentional harm towards animals rose by 11 per cent compared with the previous year, with animal beating reports also rose sharply - by 17 per cent.

The animal welfare charity has now launched its ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ summer appeal as it responds to this seasonal peak in cruelty.

Karen Colman, who leads the RSPCA welfare oversight team, said: “Sadly, animal cruelty reports are on the rise this year - and in Hampshire alone, we’ve seen 1,078 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.

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“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.”

She continued: “Summer is a really challenging time for us - and we’re braced for another busy season on the frontline, but we cannot do this alone.

“That’s why our ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ summer appeal seeks to tackle the rising and alarming levels of cruelty by raising vital funds to help those animals in desperate need - because every animal deserves kindness.”

For more information on the No Animal Deserves Cruelty summer appeal, visit the RSPCA website.