Cat cruelty cases rising due to cost of living crisis, says RSPCA, with nearly 500 hurt in Hampshire alone

ALMOST 500 cases of cruelty to cats were reported to the RSPCA in Hampshire in a year, it has been revealed.

The charity, which released the figures as part of its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, says it is struggling to cope during the cost-of-living crisis, with financial difficulties thought to be a “contributing factor” to the rise in harm to animals, a spokesperson added.

Dr Sam Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animal department, said: “Cats are one of the most popular pets in the UK, with an estimated 11 million pet cats in UK homes, but our figures suggest sadly they are the second most abused pet, after dogs.

“It is heartbreaking to think that five cats every day are suffering at the hands of humans – it really is appalling – but sadly, the RSPCA knows all too well that this cruelty is carried out on a regular basis.”

She added: “We see hundreds of felines come through our doors every year who have been subjected to unimaginable cruelty – being beaten, burned, thrown around, had bones broken, been shot at, poisoned and drowned.

“In many cases these pets have been injured deliberately by their owners – the very people who are supposed to love and protect them.

“But cats are also more vulnerable as they tend to be out and about on their own which can leave them vulnerable to air gun attacks and other forms of cruelty by complete strangers.”

The charity’s chief inspector for Hampshire, Paul Williams, added: “It is heartbreaking that we are seeing such sad figures which show animal cruelty is, very sadly, on the rise.

“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.”

To report a cruelty case or to donate to the charity visit www.rspca.org.uk