Preventing cruelty to animals – some interesting facts
We are justly proud of the work we do in preventing cruelty to animals. With committed volunteers and the help of the caring public, we are able to step in and stop animal cruelty, improve health and promote kindness in hundreds of thousands of cases each year.
We have 330 RSPCA inspectors, 80 animal welfare officers and 115 animal collection officers working to prevent cruelty to animals.
Animal cruelty – facts:
These figures give you some idea of the scale of animal cruelty – facts based on our experience in 2008:
- We received one phone call every 25 seconds – most sharing animal cruelty stories and asking for help.
- We investigated 140,575 animal cruelty complaints.
- We secured 2,574 convictions.
- We rescued and collected 143,501 animals.
- We treated and helped 214,657 animals.
- We found new homes for 70,017 animals.
Our role in shaping the Animal Welfare Act of 2006 has made it much easier to define what constitutes cruelty to animals. We are now able to act quicker to stop the mistreatment of animals; cruelty or greed that wilfully causes distress to animals can now be properly punished.
If you are concerned about any animals – cruelty, health or welfare – you can call our 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.
