The RSPCA has warned that animal cruelty is on the rise in Cambridgeshire. 

The charity said it has received 652 cruelty reports so far this year in the county - up by 14.6% this year. 

It means that animal cruelty is rising even more quickly locally compared to the rest of the country.  

But the RSPCA fears the worst could be yet to come. 

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

Karen Colman, who heads up the RSPCA welfare oversight team, said: “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 people across Cambridgeshire 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.”

In April, RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre in Wimblington took in three poorly pug cross pups who were found abandoned at separate locations in Peterborough.

The three pups, thought to be only 12-weeks old at the time they were left, were from the same litter and were found in different but nearby locations.

The pups - two female and one male - were named Millie, Lilly and Billy. 

They were all quite poorly, had runny noses and had eye problems. Following treatment, they were made available for adoption and thankfully have now found their forever homes.

Loki’s story

One of the many animals rescued from cruelty and neglect and transformed by the RSPCA is Loki. If his vet hadn’t called the RSPCA, gentle Loki could still be suffering at the hands of his abuser. 

Loki’s vet called the RSPCA to investigate because she suspected cruelty. The puppy was covered in lumps, swellings and bruises. X-rays revealed his ribs and paws were fractured all over. Despite the pain he must have been in, Loki greeted his rescuers with a wagging tail. 

His vet confirmed he was suffering and a police officer handed him safely into RSPCA care. 

He was rescued by RSPCA Inspector Zoe Ballard who recently had the chance to be reunited with him to see him living his life to the full in his happy new home.

“It’s just unbelievable. I didn’t think I’d see him like he is now in his new home. He deserves this happy ending,” said Zoe, as she fought back tears upon seeing the joyful dog who once faced such a bleak reality.

“Seeing him today there is a twinkle in his eye. So different from that little puppy I met that first day,” she said. 

“It was like a light had gone out but to see him now, he’s so happy. He’s like a different dog and it means everything. Our job isn’t easy, as you can probably imagine but this is the reason we do what we do.”

Once the RSPCA had brought Loki’s former owner to justice, which saw them banned for life from keeping animals, the charity found him a happy new home with loving owners.

The friendly puppy got a second chance at life - thanks to those who stood up for him. 

“Cases like Loki, unfortunately, are not as rare as you may like. Cruelty continues and that’s why we are here,” added Zoe.