SHOCKING new figures released by the RSPCA show a massive 64% annual increase in cruelty reports to the charity during the summer period across England and Wales - with reports on the rise in Merseyside too.

The animal welfare charity has released the startling new statistics today as part of its Cruelty Hurts Love Rescues fundraising campaign which coincides with the charity’s busiest time as cruelty reports peak over summer.

In June, July and August last year the RSPCA received 6,322 cruelty calls to their emergency line last year which is 1 call every 10 minutes when the line is open.

In comparison the charity took 3,852 calls for the same period in 2021 - showing a massive 64% increase in just 5 years.

Since last year, there has also been a startling 22% annual increase in cruelty calls, with 21,117 in 2025 compared to 17,260 in 2024.

And in Merseyside the number of cruelty reports over the summer months increased from 106 to 113 reports last year - a 7% increase.

RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said:- “It’s incredibly alarming that we are seeing year after year of rising reports of cruelty. The summer months are our busiest times of year and our frontline rescue teams, specialist vets, behaviourists, rehabilitation and rehoming teams, will be working tirelessly to help as many animals as possible. Today we have launched our Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign to highlight this shocking trend and the work we are doing to save so many animals from horrific abuse and suffering.”

Well-documented research shows domestic abuse incidents spike during football tournaments - especially after England games - and often pets can also be victims of this crime.

While the nation rightly celebrates the national team’s amazing performance in the competition there are also fears that with World Cup fever rising the charity will see another crisis this year with England due to play Norway in the last 16 of the competition on Saturday.

Sadly the RSPCA has seen coercive control cases where the perpetrators use violence and threats of violence to manipulate their victims into staying in abusive relationships.

In response to fears of a rise in cases the RSPCA has launched a domestic abuse help page on its website - which is already seeing more than 1,000 visits every day, almost 50 an hour.  The advice page offers special features to keep people safe including an exit button which quickly shuts down the page and takes the user to the Google homepage with no viewing history of the RSPCA page showing.

Superintendent Hirst added:- “We don’t know for sure what is driving this peak in cruelty reports,  but the surge in pet ownership during the pandemic has played a factor, while the longer days mean more people may witness and report such violence during the summer months. In addition this year we have the World Cup and although we know from other charities that football doesn't cause domestic abuse but factors around it can increase the prevalence of it and exacerbate the situation, due to the emotions it creates and an increase in alcohol intake. Sadly this year we expect the upward trend will continue and we are already busier than ever rescuing animals from many awful situations and our centres are full with thousands of animals being cared for in emergency kennels and catteries. Many of these animals are  affected physically and mentally by horrific violence and trauma. Our dedicated rescue and rehabilitation teams are here to help transform their lives so they can find love and happiness in a new home. We rely on the public to help us and together we can turn this season of cruelty into 1 of love, kindness and rescue for animals that need it the most. We’re so grateful to anyone choosing to donate.”

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by domestic abuse or violence, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.  If you are in immediate danger dial:- 999. For further information, including domestic violence pet fostering services, visit this website.