Rise in animal abuse in England and Wales fuelled by social media, finds RSPCA

Narla, a three-year-old cat from Stoke-on-Trent, who in April was shot in the abdomen. Photograph: RSPCA

Rising rates of animal abuse in England and Wales are being fuelled by social media, with perpetrators sharing videos and photos of dead and injured wildlife and pets, animal welfare charities have warned.

Experts also raised concerns about the proliferation of other less extreme forms of online animal cruelty, such as taunting pets for “funny” reactions on TikTok and Instagram.