The RSPCA in Somerset is gearing up for its busiest period yet, as new data reveals that July 10 marks the charity’s peak summer day for animal welfare activity. On this day alone, officers respond to over 1,000 incidents, while animal centers and hospitals work tirelessly to care for, rehabilitate, and rehome a large influx of animals.
Last summer, the charity’s frontline rescue teams dealt with 1,157 incidents on July 10 — more than any other day between June and August. This surge amounts to roughly 48 incidents every hour, ranging from advice to owners and animal transfers to urgent rescues and responses to cruelty reports, which notably spike during the warmer months.
These figures align with the RSPCA’s recent Summer Cruelty Campaign report, highlighting a distressing rise in animal cruelty cases during summer. Between June and August last year, the charity’s emergency line received 34,401 cruelty calls—a 33% increase compared to the previous year’s 25,887 calls. On average, this equates to 374 reports daily or one every two minutes the line remains open.
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Cassie Newman, Director of Operations at the RSPCA, remarked, “Many are surprised that animal cruelty reports actually rise in summer. Our officers face intense demand rescuing animals, while our centers deal with greater pressures—especially during kitten season, holiday abandonments, and extended daylight hours that sadly contribute to increased cruelty.”
To meet this demand, the RSPCA’s West Hatch Animal Centre is calling for public support. “The Summer Cruelty Campaign is vital,” Newman added. “Together, we can save animals from cruelty, provide critical treatment, and offer the love and care they urgently need. We deeply appreciate anyone supporting the Summer Cruelty Appeal.”
One such animal in need is Bagel, a five-year-old tan and white beagle who was recently abandoned and taken into the charity’s care. Affectionate and energetic, Bagel loves to explore and would thrive with an active family that spends time outdoors. However, he needs patient owners willing to help him adapt to home life, as new experiences can be overwhelming. Ideally, Bagel would live in a rural setting with peaceful surroundings and ample outdoor space. He would benefit from a confident dog companion and an owner who is around most of the day, as he struggles with being left alone initially. Bagel would prefer a home without cats.
If you believe you can offer Bagel a loving home, please visit the RSPCA to learn more about him.