The RSPCA has released new figures revealing there were 287 reports of cat cruelty for 2021 - just in the county of Cheshire.

Over the last six years (2016-2021), there were 16,212 incidents of deliberate cruelty towards cats reported to the animal welfare charity.

This equals a staggering seven cats a day suffering at the hands of humans.

In 2021 alone, there were 1,387 reports of intentional harm to cats. This peaked during the months of July and August.

Overall, there were 17,804 complaints made to the charity regarding cats in 2021 from abandonments, poisonings, mutilations, shootings, beatings and neglect.

This included 287 reports in Cheshire alone.

The RSPCA also fears that new figures showing a recent boom in the kitten trade could see a worrying rise in unscrupulous breeders putting profits before welfare.

In the last five years, there were 825 reports made to Trading Standards, council officers who enforce consumer protection laws, across England and Wales involving kitten related complaints.

Compared with 2017 figures there was a 185% increase in 2021 regarding the buying and selling of kittens.

Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, David Bowles (YouTube).

David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: "The demand for pets soared during the pandemic meaning backstreet kitten breeders have been able to make more money out of flogging pets online.

"We normally see a rise in kittens being sold at this time of year and coupled with the cost of living crisis, sadly we could see a boom in the kitten trade this year as a result.

"If you are considering buying a kitten, we would urge people to use the Kitten Checklist."

To help prevent suffering the RSPCA has launched its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign.

This aims to raise funds to keep its rescue teams on the frontline saving animals in desperate need of help as well as raising awareness about how to permanently stop cruelty.

Between 2016 and 2021, there were 16,212 incidents of deliberate cruelty towards cats reported to the RSPCA (Wikimedia Commons).

Sam Watson, cat welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: "It's awful to think cats are suffering deliberate cruelty and to know that an average of seven cats every single day are suffering at the hands of humans is really distressing.

"Cats are one of the most popular pets in the UK with an estimated 10.5 million pet cats in UK homes but sadly they are the second most abused pet - after dogs. 

"Tragically, we see hundreds of animals that come through our doors every year who have been subjected to unimaginable cruelty - being beaten, thrown across the room, had bones broken, been shot at, poisoned and drowned.

"As well as being hurt by their owners, cats are also more vulnerable as they tend to be out and about on their own.

"this can leave them vulnerable to airgun attacks and other forms of cruelty by complete strangers."

Case study - South Cheshire

RSPCA's Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, London Road, Nantwich (Google).

Last year, two cats were found dumped in a desolate lay-by at the side of a closed road in Cheshire.

An anonymous caller reported to the animal welfare charity to report that they had seen two cats in a layby but could only describe the location as being seven miles from the RSPCA's Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, Nantwich. 

When asked by the RSPCA's call handlers if they could monitor the cats or transport them to safety she refused.

Animal rescuer inspector, Jenny Bethel, was then sent to try and locate the two cats.

After driving in the area described she was struggling to find the location of the cats so she decided to widen her search and went down a road which was closed.

She then found the two cats stood on some dumped tyres in a layby about five miles from the RSPCA centre, on London Road near Bridgemere.

Last year, two cats were found dumped in a desolate lay-by at the side of a closed road in Cheshire. They have since found theor forever home (Wikimedia Commons).

The friendly young male cats ran to greet Jenny but were clearly frightened and hungry.

Jenny said: "It was so lucky I managed to find the cats as they were quite a way from the location described and down a closed road.

"I just can't understand why anyone would want to dump such lovely cats but especially in such a desolate location - where they could have perished. 

"When I pulled up in my van they were sitting on some dumped tyres and looked so scared and as I got out of the van they came to greet me and were all round my feet. They are adorable."

Jenny took the cats to Stapeley Grange cattery where they were found to be in good health and have been named Ross and Chandler by staff after two characters from the popular TV show 'Friends.'

The RSPCA logo. There are an estimated 10.5 million pet cats in UK homes - but they are the second most abused pet (RSPCA).

Both cats have now found their forever homes.

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