RSPCA new figures show 113 reports of summer cruelty in Merseyside

SHOCKING new figures released by the RSPCA show a massive:- 64% annual increase in cruelty reports to the charity during the summer period across England and Wales; with reports on the rise in Merseyside too.

The animal welfare charity has released the startling new statistics today as part of its Cruelty Hurts Love Rescues fundraising campaign which coincides with the charity's busiest time as cruelty reports peak over summer.

In June, July and August last year the RSPCA received:- 6,322 cruelty calls to their emergency line in 2025, which is:- 1 call every 10 minutes when the line is open.

In comparison the charity took:- 3,852 calls for the same period in:- 2021; showing a massive:- 64% increase in just 5 years.

Since last year, there has also been a startling:- 22% annual increase in cruelty calls, with:- 21,117 in 2025 compared to:- 17,260 in 2024.

And in Merseyside the number of cruelty reports over the summer months increased from:- 106 to 113 reports last year; a:- 7% increase.

RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said:- "It's incredibly alarming that we are seeing year after year of rising reports of cruelty. The summer months are our busiest times of year and our frontline rescue teams, specialist vets, behaviourists, rehabilitation and rehoming teams, will be working tirelessly to help as many animals as possible. Today we have launched our Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign to highlight this shocking trend and the work we are doing to save so many animals from horrific abuse and suffering.�

Well-documented research shows domestic abuse incidents spike during football tournaments; especially after England games; and often pets can also be victims of this crime.

While the nation rightly celebrates the national team's amazing performance in the competition there are also fears that with World Cup fever rising the charity will see another crisis this year with England due to play Norway in the last 16 of the competition on Saturday.

Sadly the RSPCA has seen coercive control cases where the perpetrators use violence and threats of violence to manipulate their victims into staying in abusive relationships.

In response to fears of a rise in cases the RSPCA has launched a domestic abuse help page on its website; which is already seeing more than:- 1,000 visits every day, almost 50 an hour. The advice page offers special features to keep people safe including an exit button which quickly shuts down the page and takes the user to the Google homepage with no viewing history of the RSPCA page showing.

Superintendent Hirst added:- "We don't know for sure what is driving this peak in cruelty reports, but the surge in pet ownership during the pandemic has played a factor, while the longer days mean more people may witness and report such violence during the summer months. In addition this year we have the World Cup and although we know from other charities that football doesn't cause domestic abuse but factors around it can increase the prevalence of it and exacerbate the situation, due to the emotions it creates and an increase in alcohol intake. Sadly this year we expect the upward trend will continue and we are already busier than ever rescuing animals from many awful situations and our centres are full with thousands of animals being cared for in emergency kennels and catteries. Many of these animals are affected physically and mentally by horrific violence and trauma. Our dedicated rescue and rehabilitation teams are here to help transform their lives so they can find love and happiness in a new home. We rely on the public to help us and together we can turn this season of cruelty into 1 of love, kindness and rescue for animals that need it the most. We're so grateful to anyone choosing to donate.�

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by domestic abuse or violence, call the 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, on:- 08082000247. If you are in immediate danger dial:- 999. For further information, including domestic violence pet fostering services, visit this website.

Top Liverpool Chef Launches New Union with Free Community Event

Photo by Cormofilm Liverpool

MULTI award winning Master Chef Kemal Coskuncay has launched an exciting new organisation that aims to bring:- chefs together, champion the hospitality industry and make a real difference in communities across the UK. British Northwest Chefs was launched in May 2026 and recently hosted a free community event in collaboration with Groundwork UK's Grow Speke.

The founder of the much-loved Casa Rima restaurant in Halewood has joined forces with respected hospitality professionals:- Tacim Yetis, Ali Kavlak and Ibrahim Coskuncay to establish the new chefs' union. Its aim is to give culinary professionals a stronger voice, greater opportunities and a supportive network where they can develop both professionally and personally.

Although only recently launched, British Northwest Chefs has already attracted members from across the UK, highlighting the appetite within the industry for a community that celebrates chefs while providing genuine support and benefits. Some top chefs have joined the organisation, from varying cultures and cuisines.

Membership offers an impressive range of opportunities, including an official chefs' uniform, commemorative medal and certificate, alongside networking opportunities, supplier discounts, legal advice, international culinary trips and professional guidance. More importantly, British Northwest Chefs has been founded on the principle of bringing people together, creating opportunities and promoting excellence throughout the hospitality sector.

Community engagement is also at the very heart of the organisation's mission, with its first major event setting the tone perfectly. The inaugural Community BBQ, delivered in collaboration with:- Grow Speke, brought together leading chefs from British Northwest Chefs for a day dedicated to food, education and wellbeing.

Throughout the event, talented chefs demonstrated a variety of dishes using fresh, locally grown ingredients while encouraging members of the local community to get involved, learn new cooking techniques and discover the benefits of preparing nutritious meals from scratch. Visitors were able to enjoy cooking demonstrations alongside a range of informative talks and hands-on workshops.

The partnership with Grow Speke made the event particularly fitting. The educational charity has been serving the local community for more than 40 years, helping people learn how to grow their own fruit and vegetables while promoting healthier lifestyles and improved wellbeing. Its beautiful site is far more than an allotment and has a wide range of free services.

Visitors can explore flourishing growing spaces filled with:- seasonal vegetables, herbs, tomatoes and basil, alongside polytunnels, wildflower meadows, beehives producing local honey and an abundance of wildlife. The project encourages natural growing methods free from chemicals and pesticides, demonstrating how sustainable food production benefits both people and the environment.

Beyond horticulture, Grow Speke also offers activities that nurture mental wellbeing, with meditation, mindfulness sessions and music forming an important part of the welcoming community atmosphere. The Community BBQ perfectly reflected the shared values of both organisations � celebrating good food, supporting local communities and encouraging healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.

Families, volunteers, chefs and visitors spent the day learning, cooking, sharing ideas and enjoying great company in a relaxed and inclusive environment. For Kemal Coskuncay and his fellow founders, the event represented far more than the launch of a new chefs' union. It demonstrated exactly what British Northwest Chefs hopes to achieve: creating meaningful connections, supporting hospitality professionals and using the universal language of food to bring communities together.

If the success of the 1st event is anything to go by, British Northwest Chefs has made an inspiring start. With ambitious plans for further community projects, educational initiatives and opportunities for chefs across the country, the organisation looks set to become a powerful force for positive change within both the hospitality industry and the wider community.

For more info on Grow Speke visit the website. Alternatively, you can follow them on Instagram.

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RSPCA new figures show 113 reports of summer cruelty in Merseyside

Top Liverpool Chef Launches New Union with Free Community Event