Not such a Nation of Pet lovers?

I was shocked to see the latest statistics from the UK on the rise of Pet Abuse and Abandonment! And this from a Nation of claimed Pet and Animal lovers! Generally speaking of course! Because as we know there are always some that cannot fit the category.

But now it seems animal - specifically pet abuse and abandonment is on the increase in the UK and by an astounding rate! The RSPCA claim they are struggling to cope with the new cases of neglect, abuse and cruelty in the UK as was quoted by the National newspapers and the news broadcasts.These cases appalling include shootings, stabbings and general torturing and starvation!

The figures announced this week by the RSPCA show an increase of almost a quarter of cases this year! This includes a figure of 1,341,  23.5% rise in people convicted for animal neglect and cruelty. 22% rise in convictions for crimes relating directly to Dog cruelty.A rise of 9.3% of reports of abuse to the RSPCA equates to 3,3036. And a 13% rise in the number of phone calls to the RSPCA received by the RSPCA which was a staggering 1,314,795.


They RSPCA say that this rise in abuse, cruelty and neglect is not just aimed at pets but at all animals and with a large increase of cases to Farm animals.


There is no doubt that the current economic recession will put additional pressure on people financially to feed and care for their pets! But does in no way account for the neglect, cruelty and abuse! And to starve an animal to death! There is no justification for any ill treatment of an animal.


One good thing to come from the RSPCA is their ZERO tolerance towards animal abusers and the increased rise in prosecutions shows that this is being taken seriously and action is being taken towards those abusers.


So like here in Spain is the UK also going to be judged generally as a Nation of non-animal lovers? If not now, in the future?  This rise in the last year would seem to reflect a lack of empathy and compassion coming into being with pets and animals generally! And is this just a reflection of social changes where people generally are lacking in these values in Society as a whole! I seriously hope not. I used to be quite proud of the UK´s reputation as Animal lovers! Okay there is always going to be some that do not follow the general pattern. But this latest news and figures is showing a whole different side to 'Britain is a Nation of Animal lovers'!!




Online Resources of Interest:


A rising tide of animal cruelty - News story - Media - rspca.org.uk