Article: published on 13 April 2026
Former Detective Rav Wilding
Rise in Animal Cruelty
- Published
The animal welfare charity RSPCA has seen a 70% rise in multi-animal incidents involving 10 or more animals across England and Wales since 2021.
Former Detective Rav Wilding joined BBC Morning Live on how to report suspected animal cruelty and are there any circumstances when people should you ring the police.
Why Are Multi‑Animal Cases Increasing?
According to the RSPCA, several factors are driving the rise in large‑scale rescues:
Illegal or unregulated breeding operations
Poor welfare standards at some commercial breeding sites
Mental health struggles among owners
Sudden changes in family circumstances
Financial pressures linked to the cost‑of‑living crisis
The charity says these situations can escalate quickly, often beginning with good intentions before spiralling into neglect.
What the Law Says About Animal Cruelty.
Animal neglect and cruelty are criminal offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison, unlimited fines, and lifetime bans on owning animals.
Offences include:
Unnecessary suffering, such as physical abuse or neglect
Abandoning an animal
Animal fighting, including dog or cock fighting
Illegal tail docking, except for certified working dogs under five days old
Reports of suspected cruelty should be made to the RSPCA in England and Wales, the Scottish SPCA in Scotland, and the USPCA or local councils in Northern Ireland.
When to Call the Police.
Police should be contacted on 999 if an animal is in immediate danger, such as:
A dog left inside a hot vehicle
An animal posing a direct risk to itself or the public, for example running across a busy road
The RSPCA says these situations require urgent intervention.
How to Check Whether a Breeder Is Legitimate
In England, breeders must hold a licence if they:
Produce three or more litters a year, or
Breed dogs as a business and advertise puppies for sale
Local councils issue and inspect licences, which must be displayed in adverts and shown to prospective buyers. Similar rules apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Licensed breeders must provide:
Suitable accommodation
Adequate food, water and bedding
Proper exercise
Protection from pain, injury and disease
Accurate records available for inspection
Red Flags for Puppy Farms
Animal welfare charities warn buyers to be cautious of breeders showing any of the following signs:
Multiple litters advertised frequently
Several breeds sold at once
Refusal to allow home visits
No access to the puppy's mother
Puppies sold under 8 weeks old
No microchipping
Missing or delayed paperwork
Pressure to pay quickly
The Dogs Trust says responsible breeders will always answer questions openly and prioritise the welfare of their animals over making a sale.
Where to Safely Get a New Pet
Animal welfare experts recommend adopting from reputable rescue organisations such as Dogs Trust, Cats Protection, or members of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH).
Rescue centres typically:
Assess a potential owner's suitability
Provide adoption contracts
Match animals to appropriate homes
Offer ongoing support and advice
Responsible breeders remain an option, but buyers should expect transparency, proper documentation and often a waiting list.
