The RSPCA is calling for support as it faces a surge in cruelty against animals - with 394 incidents reported in Berkshire so far this year. 

The incidents are part of a national trend that has seen 44,879 reports of cruelty against animals from January to June - a two per cent rise compared with the same period last year. 

Among those animals rescued by the RSPCA this year were two rabbits found abandoned in a wire cage in a car park in Slough.

The rabbits - one male and one female - were found by a local taxi driver at The Grove car park who took them home before contacting the animal welfare charity. 
 
RSPCA animal rescue officer Chloe Wilson said she 'dread to think what could have happened to them if they hadn't been found'. 

She added: “We’re really grateful to the person that found these rabbits, as they were in a very vulnerable position, having been abandoned inside a cage in a car park. 
 
“We know times are tough, but dumping defenceless animals is never the answer. You have no idea if someone will find and care for your pet. Leaving them shut in a cage by a car park with no access to food and water is totally unforgivable and cruel.”

Now RSPCA officers are warning that they expect the crisis to worsen over the rest of the summer. 

Last year's summer months saw reports of harm against animals rise by 11 percent, compared with the previous year - with the charity receiving a report of animal cruelty every five minutes

Animal beating reports also rose by 17 percent last summer compared with the previous year. 

Karen Colman, who heads up the RSPCA welfare oversight team, said: “Sadly, animal cruelty reports are on the rise this year.

“Reports of international harm towards animals and beatings also rose sharply across the country last summer - so we’re preparing for a difficult period ahead.

“But rescuing animals from cruelty, investigating harm caused to them, and acting to prevent animal abuse, is a job no other charity does. We’ll always be here to pick up the pieces and show those animals the kindness and care they deserve.”

The RSPCA hopes support from people across Berkshire will help make the difference for animals this year.

Karen added: “Summer is a really challenging time for us - and we’re braced for another busy season on the frontline, but we cannot do this alone.”