RSPCA animal centres - including RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre - are braced for one of their busiest periods caring for, rehabilitating and rehoming animals - as new figures show that today is the charity's busiest summer day.
Last year, the charity’s frontline rescue teams dealt with more animal welfare incidents on August 1 than any other day over the summer months. In total, RSPCA officers dealt with 1,171 incidents on that day alone, last year - the most of any day in July, August or September.
These incidents include giving advice to owners, transferring animals in need of help, rescuing animals - and also responding to cruelty reports - which have already been on the rise this year. In the first six months of this year, the RSPCA took 44,879 cruelty reports to its emergency line - up more than two percent on the same timeframe last year.
This is placing more pressure on the animal centres taking in these animals in need, at a time when many are already full to capacity. The charity is always at its busiest on the frontline during the summer months - and has launched its ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ campaign to support its vital animal welfare work.
But the worst could be yet to come over the summer - when the charity receives a report of cruelty every five minutes, and its rescue teams deal with tens of thousands of incidents. Glenn Mayoll, RSPCA Operations Manager, said: “We receive more reports of cruelty in summer than at any other time of year - and that not only means our officers are very busy, but this puts even more pressure on our animal centres too.
“Our centres specialise in the rehabilitation and rehoming of animals who've so often escaped difficult situations, including cruelty and neglect. They need the public’s support to keep doing their amazing work now more than ever.
“That’s why we’ve launched the RSPCA No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal in our 200th anniversary year - because we need to take action together to help animals. It’s the responsibility of us all to show kindness and compassion to all animals; everyone for every kind."
RSPCA animal centre teams work incredibly hard to rehabilitate and rehome animals brought in by the charity’s officers. All animals rehomed by the charity are fully assessed - by behaviourists and vets - and will also be microchipped, neutered and vaccinated.
Centre teams then work to match ready-to-rehome animals to the best new home - creating the ‘perfect match’ for both the pet and new owner. Pets at RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre looking for a new forever home include Melody who came into RSPCA care from a multi animal household.
The four-year-old American bulldog was one of a number of who were found being kept in horrendous conditions underground. “We don't know the last time they had seen daylight before they were discovered,” says Debbie Caffull from RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre.
“You can only imagine their physical appearance and smell when they were brought out. It's incredible to think that even after this terrible ordeal Melody was so happy to see friendly faces and make friends with all of the Inspectors and vets she met that day.
“She is truly a superstar in our eyes and has the most wonderful personality you could ever hope to meet. Melody just loves people and will greet you all like a long-lost friend. Fuss and cuddles are her favourite pastimes.
“She also has a great time on her walkies and walks well on the lead. She has some doggy friends and mostly enjoys joining them when out and about.
“However, she does have her moments where she is not in the mood to socialise and will tell them so and go on her way. Treats will always work to get her attention and she will engage in play, but fuss and cuddles will always come first.”
Melody has had surgery to correct a painful condition in her eyes and has made a full recovery from this. If you think you can offer this brave girl her chance to forget her past, there is more information about her and how to adopt on her RSPCA Find-a-pet page.
Glenn added: “Rehoming a pet is incredibly rewarding and can also be the most cost-effective way to acquire a new family member too!
“With calls to our emergency line on the rise, it's likely to be another really busy time for our centres. But those looking to add a pet to their family can help relieve the pressure by choosing to adopt, rather than shop - giving a pet a second chance, and freeing up space for more animals in need at RSPCA centres.
"There's countless pets who've rescued situations of cruelty and mistreatment on the RSPCA's dedicated Find a Pet website - all deserving of a forever home and happiness. But for those not looking to adopt, supporting the RSPCA's summer cruelty appeal is another great way to help these animals.
“As animal abuse reaches its awful peak this summer, and our centres work even harder for these amazing animals, our supporters can help make a difference." More information on the RSPCA’s No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal can be found on the charity's website.
