Animal cruelty reports in Sussex rose by almost a fifth over the summer months in 2024, according to figures shared by the RSPCA with the BBC, and it is expecting the situation to get even worse this year.
Across both East and West Sussex, there were 738 animal cruelty reports between June and August 2024 – up more than 18% on the previous year. And the RSPCA said it fears the situation will only worsen in 2025.
Across the south east the charity said it received 2,039 reports from Surrey, Kent, and East and West Sussex between June and August 2024, up from 1,766 reports in the same period the year before.
And nationally the rise is even more startling – reports have risen nationally by 33%.
Speaking to the BBC, RSPCA animal rescue officer Ben Fitzcosta said the summer was the busiest period. “We are slightly concerned how much that is going to increase this year,” he added.
The RPSCA says it fears the national increase is due partly to a fall-out following the rise in pet ownership during the pandemic. But it also usually sees a spike in reports over the summer as longer days mean more people are out and likely to spot cruelty.
RSPCA chief inspector Ian Briggs said: “This year, sadly, we fear the trend will continue and we are already busier than ever rescuing animals from many awful situations.”