RSPCA reveals seven cats a day suffer at the hands of humans

The RSPCA has released new figures which reveal seven cats a day suffer at the hands of humans, and this is expected to increase during the summer months.

Over the last six years (2016-2021), there were 16,212 incidents of deliberate cruelty towards cats reported to the animal welfare charity which equals a staggering seven cats a day suffering at the hands of humans.

In 2021 alone, there were 1,387 reports of intentional harm to cats and this peaked during the months of July and August.

Overall, there were 17,804 complaints made to the charity regarding cats in 2021 from abandonments, poisonings, mutilations, shootings, beatings and neglect.

This includes 936 reports in Greater Manchester alone.

The RSPCA also fears that new figures showing a recent boom in the kitten trade could see a worrying rise in unscrupulous breeders putting profits before welfare and could spell further cruelty to cats.

In the last five years, there were 825 reports made to Trading Standards, council officers who enforce consumer protection laws, across England and Wales involving kitten related complaints.

Compared with 2017 figures there was a 185% increase in 2021 regarding the buying and selling of kittens.

David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: “The demand for pets soared during the pandemic meaning backstreet kitten breeders have been able to make more money out of flogging pets online.

"We normally see a rise in kittens being sold at this time of year and coupled with the cost of living crisis, sadly we could see a boom in the kitten trade this year as a result.

"If you are considering buying a kitten, we would urge people to use the Kitten Checklist.”

In Manchester, the charity investigated following the horrific discovery of a cat hanged by a washing line.

The body of the 10-year-old black and white cat, called Jack, was recovered from the back garden of a property in June.

In what appears to be a deliberate act of cruelty, the line had been tied from a fence to the lower branch of a tree and then wrapped around the cat’s neck three times before being knotted up.

Distraught owner, Tracy McCormick, was called to her neighbours’ home where the harrowing discovery was made.

She believes the shy rescue cat was seized by the perpetrator as he was usually timid in the company of strangers.

Sadly, despite an appeal for information the person responsible has not yet been found.

The RSPCA receives around 90,000 calls to its cruelty line every month and investigates 6,000 reports of deliberate animal cruelty, including animal fighting and hunting.

But in the summer calls rise to 134,000 a month - three every minute and reports of cruelty soar to 7,600 each month - a heartbreaking 245 every day. 

The RSPCA’s rescue teams need support to stay out on the frontline as the only charity rescuing animals and investigating cruelty. 

£2 could help to provide a meal for a cat or dog in its care

£6 could help pay to feed a dog for a day in its care

£10 could help pay towards bandages for a cat or dog

£15 could help pay for a cat or dog’s clinical exam

£20 could help pay towards a bird catching kit

£30 could help pay for a life jacket for an inspector

£100 could help pay towards water rescue equipment

£500 could kit out a 4x4 inspector van

The RSPCA's frontline teams are working hard to rescue animals in need this summer but we can't do it alone - they need your help to Cancel Out Cruelty.

To help support the RSPCA, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/stopcruelty

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