Rise in animals being attacked across Nottinghamshire
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Data from the RSPCA animal welfare charity shows anincrease in the number of reports of animals suffering physical cruelty across England and Wales.
It said that the figures are “heartbreaking” and suggested the end of the coronavirus pandemic and the soaring cost of living as possible factors.
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Hide AdNumbers from the animal welfare charity show 285 incidents of animal beatings were recorded in Nottinghamshire last year – up from 203 in 2021.
It means recorded animal beatings rose by 40 per cent.
Across England and Wales, the RSPCA recorded 22 per cent more violent incidents in 2022 than the previous year, with the charity receiving 9,700 reports, or the equivalent of 26 per day.
The number of beatings peaked in August at 1,100, while 77 per cent of all complaints related to physical abuse.
More animals were also killed in suspicious circumstances, with 891 reports in 2022, up 15 per cent from 775 the year before.
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Hide AdDermot Murphy, inspectorate commissioner at the RSPCA, said: “Right now, animal cruelty is happening on a massive scale and rising. It is heartbreaking that we are seeing such sad figures which show animal cruelty is, very sadly, on the rise.
“While we don’t know for certain why there has been an increase in reports of cruelty, the cost-of-living crisis and the post-pandemic world we live in have created an animal welfare crisis with more people getting pets with potentially less time and money to care for them.
“The cost-of-living crisis also means the cost of rescuing animals is at an all-time high and our vital services are stretched to the limit.”
The RSPCA has launched its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign to address the rising figures.
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Hide AdMr Murphy said: “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 campaign. Every donation will help animals.”