Cruelty towards dogs increased by 6% in London last year, new RSPCA data shows

Cruelty towards dogs increased by 6% in London last year, new figures released by the RSPCA show.

In 2022, there were 3,752 reports made to the RSPCA in the area about cruelty to dogs, compared with 3,536 in 2021.

This means in 2022, 10 dogs a day on average were cruelly treated in London.

Clare Dew, one of the RSPCA's chief inspectors who covers London, said: "Dogs are the most abused animal in this country and we investigate more complaints about them than any other type of animal.

"For hundreds of years dogs have been known as man's best friend - and if you share your home with one, you will know why, as they are such loyal and loving companions. But these awful statistics tell a different story."

The figures include reports made about intentional harm, neglect and abandonments. (Photo: RSPCA)

The type of incidents which come under intentional harm are attempted killing, poisoning, beating, improper killing, mutilation and suspicious circumstances.

Shockingly, there were 994 reports of intentional harm to dogs in London.

Nationally, the number of reports made to the RSPCA about dogs - including intentional harm, neglect and abandonments - in 2022 was 42,690, a 7% increase from 2021 (39,797).

Dew said: "Everyone who cares about animals will be sickened to know how many reports we receive about dogs being kicked, beaten, burned or worse.

The RSPCA saw a 22% increase in reports of beatings in 2022 (9,658 in 2022, compared to 7,857 in 2021). In fact, 77% of all cruelty complaints reported to the charity 2022 were beatings.

Case study

Appeal made after English Bull Terrier was found dead. (Photo: RSPCA)

The RSPCA launched an appeal for information after a dog was found dead in a canal with weights around her neck.

The dog - an English bull terrier named Sky - was removed from a canal in Greenford, West London, with two barbell weights tied around her neck.

RSPCA inspector Dale Grant said: "We don't know if she was dead prior to being thrown in the canal.

Evidence of weights used to allegedly down dogs. (Photo: RSPCA)

She was microchipped, to an address in Wales, and her previous owners confirmed they sold her to a man in Southall.

"We spoke to the new owner who stated he gave her away before Christmas but was unable to give further details," Grant said.

"She was only young, under two, and by all accounts a lovable family pet."

Campaigning against cruelty

The charity has released the figures as part of its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, in a bid to raise funds to help its frontline rescue teams continue to save animals from cruelty and abuse.

Figures released as part of new RSPCA campaign. (Photo: RSPCA)

"We need the public's help to Cancel Out Cruelty," Dew added. "Their donations, no matter how small, help keep our frontline officers out on the road rescuing animals and investigating these terrible reports."

In summer months, cases of cruelty rise and the charity is braced for its busiest time of the year.

The number of beatings reported to the RSPCA in 2022 peaked in August, when 1,081 reports were received - a staggering 35 a day.

'Animal cruelty happening on a massive scale'

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: "Right now, animal cruelty is happening in England and Wales on a massive scale and rising. It is heart-breaking that we are seeing such sad figures which show animal cruelty is, very sadly, on the rise.

Many owners are struggling to cope. (Photo: RSPCA)

"While we don't know for certain why there has been an increase, the cost-of-living crisis and the post-pandemic world we live in has created an animal welfare crisis.

"Each year, these reports reach its terrible annual peak in the summer months – when an animal is beaten on average every hour of every day. The cost-of-living crisis also means the cost of rescuing animals is at an all-time high and our vital services are stretched to the limit."