The number of cruelty cases seen by the charity rose last year.

The RSPCA is asking veterinary practices to help it tackle animal cruelty by reporting cases they see to the charity.

The call comes as new figures released by the RSPCA reveal that reports of animals being beaten increased by 22 per cent last year, peaking in the months from July to September. The number of animals killed in ‘suspicious circumstances’ also increased last year by 15 per cent.

In response to the rise, the RSPCA has launched its ‘Cancel Out Cruelty’ campaign to fight the problem, aiming to reduce cruelty cases by at least 50 per cent by 2030.

According to Vanessa Howie, head veterinary surgeon of companion animals at the RSPCA, veterinary practices have a crucial role to play in the campaign.

Dr Howie said: “We are so grateful to vets who report concerns of animal cruelty and neglect to us, and their role in fighting animal cruelty is really appreciated.

“Vets are absolutely critical to help us Cancel Out Cruelty. They are often on the frontline in spotting signs of abuse and many thousands of animals have been rescued from lives of violence and suffering thanks to veterinary staff who have raised the alarm.”

Some veterinary professionals have expressed concern about breaking client confidentially, but reporting cases to the RSPCA is allowed under RCVS rules.

Dr Howie added: “We have had many conversations on this topic with vets, including at BVA Live in Birmingham in May, and understand there is concern and confusion about whether or not vets can report cruelty to us due to client confidentiality and data protection regulations.

“Reassuringly, the RCVS’s supporting guidance to the Code of Professional Conduct provides clear advice and makes it clear that reporting information to the relevant authorities without client consent is permitted if animal welfare or the public interest is compromised. The RSPCA is the principal investigator and prosecutor of animal welfare offences in England and Wales and the RCVS considers the RSPCA - and the Scottish SPCA in Scotland - to be an appropriate authority.

“We’d like to reassure vets that GDPR shouldn’t be a barrier to the sharing of appropriate information in order to investigate a potential animal welfare offence.”

The RSPCA has a dedicated phone number for veterinary professionals to call if they suspect cruelty or neglect: 0300 123 8022.

Image (C) RSPCA