A WOMAN who helps run a Bradford cat rescue service has said the situation has never been as bad after the RSPCA revealed animal beatings had increased by over 35 per cent in the last year.

Data from the charity shows an increase in the number of reports of animals suffering physical cruelty across England and Wales.

It said the figures are "heartbreaking", and suggested the end of the coronavirus pandemic and the soaring cost of living as possible factors.

Numbers from the RSPCA show 663 incidents of animal beatings were recorded in West Yorkshire last year – up from 486 in 2021.

It means recorded animal beatings rose by 36 per cent.

Laura Westcough, of Pink Paws Cat Rescue, feels something needs to be done quickly.

"The problem is not going away, it is becoming worst because of the cost of living crisis," she said.

"People just cannot afford to look after their animals. They have to choose to feed themselves or their animals.

"Vet prices are out of the question for many.

"Nobody is taking animals on because nobody is taking them. It has never been this slow.

"We are at a standstill, everywhere is full.

"We have a pair of cats which have been here since the start of January, that has never happened before.

"There needs to be more financial help, there are more animals and no homes.

"It is so frustrating to see cats found in carrier bags and holdalls."

Dermot Murphy, inspectorate commissioner at the RSPCA, said: "Right now, animal cruelty is happening in England and Wales on a massive scale and rising.

"It is heartbreaking that we are seeing such sad figures which show animal cruelty is, very sadly, on the rise.

"While we don’t know for certain why there has been an increase in reports of cruelty, the cost-of-living crisis and the post-pandemic world we live in have created an animal welfare crisis with more people getting pets with potentially less time and money to care for them.

"The cost-of-living crisis also means the cost of rescuing animals is at an all-time high and our vital services are stretched to the limit."

The RSPCA has launched its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign to address the rising figures.

Mr Murphy added: "Together, we believe we can and will cancel out cruelty to animals by replacing violence with kindness.

"We are urging people to donate to our Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, every donation will help animals."