MORE than 700 North Wales cases of animal cruelty have been reported to RSPCA Cymru so far this year.

RSPCA Cymru has received 3,059 cruelty reports so far this year in Wales as a whole, with its busiest period yet to come.

Out of the 3,059 reports across Wales (January 1 to June 30), Rhondda Cynon Taf tops the list with a shocking 266 reports.

Last year saw the charity receive a report of animal cruelty every five minutes during its busiest summer months - and its officers are now braced for another busy period.

Also last summer, reports of intentional harm across England and Wales towards animals rose by 11% compared with the previous year, with animal beating reports also rising sharply - by 17%.

The new figures, exclusively released today (July 17) by the RSPCA, show there have already been 44,879 reports of cruelty towards animals so far this year across England and Wales up to the end of June.

This is more than two percent higher than the 43,983 calls received during the same timeframe last year.

The animal welfare charity has now launched its ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ summer appeal as it responds to this seasonal peak in cruelty.

This is how many cases have been reported in North Wales alone so far in the first six months of 2024:

  • Anglesey - 84
  • Conwy - 104
  • Denbighshire - 134
  • Flintshire - 143
  • Gwynedd - 135
  • Wrexham - 121

Total: 721

Karen Colman, who heads up the RSPCA welfare oversight team, said: “Sadly, animal cruelty reports are on the rise this year - and across Wales, we’ve seen more than 3,000 animal cruelty reports already this year.

“Reports of international harm towards animals and beatings also rose sharply across the country last summer - so we’re preparing for a difficult period ahead.

“But rescuing animals from cruelty, investigating harm caused to them, and acting to prevent animal abuse, is a job no other charity does. We’ll always be here to pick up the pieces and show those animals the kindness and care they deserve.”

The RSPCA hopes support from those across Wales will help make the difference for animals this year.

“Summer is a really challenging time for us - and we’re braced for another busy season on the frontline, but we cannot do this alone.” added Karen.

“That’s why our ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ summer appeal seeks to tackle the rising and alarming levels of cruelty by raising vital funds to help those animals in desperate need - because every animal deserves kindness."