Shocking report shows RSPCA fighting major animal cruelty crisis

We may think we are a nation of animal lovers, however a new RSPCA report has revealed that convictions for animal neglect and cruelty rose by nearly 34 per cent in 2012.

Launched during RSPCA Week, the RSPCA Prosecutions Annual Report also shows there was a 15.7 per cent increase in the number of defendants convicted last year in England and Wales.

Animals rescued or collected by the RSPCA increased from 119,126 to 130,695, a 9.7 per cent rise (plus the rescue of 64,000 farmed chickens from one flooded barn).

RSPCA Chief Executive Gavin Grant said: "The RSPCA is leading the fight against a growing animal cruelty crisis. Our staff, volunteers and branches show tremendous dedication but they are struggling to keep up.

“For us, prosecution is always the last resort. Our inspectors investigated 150,833 suspected cruelty cases and issued 78,090 advice notices last year - these are extremely effective in improving the care of animals.

“However, if there is evidence of a crime and serious animal abuse then we will take legal action to protect the animals and prevent further abuse. We also want to see judges taking these offences far more seriously.

“More animals need our help than ever before and I urge everyone to dig deep and give us as much support as you can – hold a fundraising event during RSPCA Week, volunteer for us, or if you are able, please give a new home to an abandoned or abused animal.

“Now more than ever we need all animal lovers to stand up against a rising tide of animal cruelty. We can’t do it without you.”

To donate, text Week to 78866 now to give £3 (text costs £3 plus one standard network rate message). Alternatively you can donate by calling 0300 123 8181 or visiting www.rspca.org.uk/act.

You can also help by supporting the RSPCA's call for stronger sentences for organised animal fighting and baiting offences. Go to www.rspca.org.uk/sentencing and ask your MP to write to the Secretary of State for Justice on this issue.

The cruelty statistics for 2012 show why animals so desperately need the public to support the RSPCA this RSPCA Week and beyond:

• 264.9 per cent rise in the number of animal welfare convictions relating to small mammals, eg rabbits, hamsters (2011=97, 2012=354)
• 122.7 per cent rise in the number of convictions relating to farm animals (2011=22 2012=49)
• 117.4 per cent rise in the number of convictions relating to equines, ie horses, ponies and donkeys (2011=230 2012=500)
• 33.8 per cent increase in the number of convictions (2011=3,114 2012=4,168). NB individual defendants can receive more than one conviction.
• 15.7 per cent increase in the number of defendants convicted (2011=1,341 2012=1,552)
• 9.7 per cent increase in the number of animals rescued or collected (2011=119,126 2012=130,695, plus the rescue of 64,000 chickens rescued from a flooded barn).

The report, the online version of which can be read at www.rspca.org.uk/prosecutions/annualreport documents a shocking catalogue of deliberate cruelty and neglect - some of the worst cases ever seen by RSPCA inspectors.

These include a dog slashed with a knife by his owner, two tiny puppies who had been buried alive, more than 30 rabbits and guinea pigs found living amongst dead animals in slurry-filled hutches and an emaciated pony pinned to the ground by his tether.

Thanks to the RSPCA and its supporters there are some amazing survival stories, including abandoned dog Brooke who was suffering terribly and half her ideal weight when she was found. Happily she made a full recovery and has been rehomed with the fosterer who nursed her back to health.

RSPCA Week 2013 runs from Monday 29 April to Sunday 5 May and is an annual fundraising and awareness drive. Last year we raised more than £395,000 from community events, collections, donations and corporations, and this year we need to raise even more.

If you shop at Tesco, look out for the RSPCA's collectors at a store near you during the week.

As well as donating money, you can help by collecting money or organising an event – visit www.rspcaweek.org.uk where you can download a fundraising pack, volunteer for local collections, join the RSPCA's animal welfare campaign and find out about rehoming an animal.

The RSPCA is also encouraging supporters and animal lovers to get involved with its Happy Pet (#HappyPet) video and photo competition to find the world’s happiest pet.

To enter, fans can tweet a Vine video or photo of their happy companion, as well as retweet and like their favourite entries. The photo or video with the most combined retweets & Facebook 'likes' will be crowned the winner. For more information, like the RSPCA on Facebook: www.facebook.com/rspca or follow them on Twitter: @RSPCA_Official.