Block Fen Animal Centre in Wimblington braced for RSPCA’s busiest summer day today
RSPCA animal centres - including Block Fen Animal Centre in Wimblington - are braced for one of their busiest periods caring for animals. 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 advising owners, transferring animals in need of help, rescuing animals - and also responding to cruelty reports - that 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 per cent 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.
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 Block Fen Animal Centre looking for a new forever home include sweet Angel, a Malinios crossbreed, who came into the RSPCA Block Fen Centre more than a year ago when she was just a pup and has spent much of her short life in kennels. She’s now ready for rehoming after her previous owner was prosecuted.
Angel is extremely clever and always keen to learn new things. She loves her toys and does not go anywhere without her toy 'donkey' which she will carry in her mouth wherever she goes.
If you think you can offer Angel a home, there is more information about her and how to adopt on her RSPCA adopt 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’ page - 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.”
