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Shock RSPCA figures show beatings to animals up by a quarter in South Yorkshire
Animal beatings now make up 85% of RSPCA cruelty complaints, with increased public reporting and technology capturing more incidents of deliberate violence.
- In Leicestershire, beating-related incidents reached a five-year high in 2025, with 286 cases recorded—a 13 per cent rise compared to 2021 levels.
- Across England and Wales, the RSPCA recorded 16,033 beating incidents last year, nearly doubling since 2021 when 8,459 were reported. These attacks represent 85% of all animal cruelty complaints the charity handles.
- RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst noted one beating report arrives every 15 minutes. Increased use of CCTV and smartphones means incidents are "more likely" to be caught on camera, potentially accounting for part of the rise.
- The charity launched its 'Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues' campaign during the summer, coinciding with peak reporting season. Rescuers rely on public donations and reports to rescue animals from abusive settings.
- Perpetrators are often family members, meaning violence occurs behind closed doors where animals lack protection. The RSPCA continues prosecuting cases under the Animal Welfare Act to seek justice.
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