AN animal welfare charity has revealed that reports of animal abuse in Worcestershire have risen this year.

The RSPCA received 536 cruelty reports in Worcestershire in the first six months of the year alone - a 5.7% rise on the number of reports made during the same period last year.

This comes before the summer period, which the RSPCA says is the busiest for reports of animal cruelty. In 2023, the charity as a whole received on average a report relating to abuse every five minutes during the summer months.

Karen Colman, who leads the RSPCA's welfare oversight team, said: "Sadly, animal cruelty reports are on the rise this year - and in Worcestershire alone, we’ve seen 536 animal cruelty reports already.

"Reports of international harm towards animals and beatings also rose sharply across the country last summer - so we’re preparing for a difficult period ahead.

"But 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."

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In response to seasonal peaks in animal abuse reports, the RSPCA has recently launched its 'No Animal Deserves Cruelty' campaign.

She added: "The ‘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."

One case of cruelty occurred in Kidderminster, where a squirrel had been found with a bolt from a crossbow embedded into its body.

After finding the animal alive, RSPCA inspector Steve Morrall rushed the squirrel to the vet where it ultimately had to be put to sleep because of the severity of its injuries.

Mr Morrall said: "The squirrel was alive and in agony with the crossbow bolt lodged in his body. This cruel and intentional act caused the squirrel significant pain and unnecessary suffering."

The charity has received 44,879 reports of cruelty across England and Wales this year - a 2% rise on last year's figures.