North East animal cruelty figures released as cases significantly increase across England and Wales

RSPCA new figures show 103 reports of summer cruelty in Tyne and Wear.

Shock figures released by the RSPCA show a 64% annual increase in summer animal cruelty reports in England and Wales - with 103 coming from Tyne and Wear.

The vet who examined her said the fractures could have occurred as a result of a fall, a motor vehicle accident or a crush injury and she said it was likely the dog had been living with the injuries without receiving any treatment for months. | RSPCA

placeholder image — The vet who examined her said the fractures could have occurred as a result of a fall, a motor vehicle accident or a crush injury and she said it was likely the dog had been living with the injuries without receiving any treatment for months. | RSPCA

The animal welfare charity has released new statistics showing that in June, July and August 2025, the RSPCA received 6,322 cruelty calls to their emergency line. That is the equivalent of one 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 five years.

However, in Tyne and Wear the number of cruelty reports over the summer months last year was 103 compared to 127 the year before – which is a 19% decrease.

In one cruelty case in the region a female terrier was left with untreated traumatic injuries including rib and paw fractures and dislocated knee caps.