The RSPCA has revealed a worrying rise in reports of animal cruelty on social media.
From January to May 2025, the charity saw 133 reports compared to 104 in the same period last year, marking a 27 per cent increase.
In the last six years, 2,600 incidents of cruelty on social media have been reported.
The year 2024 saw an 8 per cent rise in cruelty reports, with 25 monthly reports to the charity.
Facebook leads with 1,526 reports, followed by Instagram (499) and TikTok (221).
The Online Safety Act 2023 aims to combat this by removing content glorifying animal abuse and protecting users from harmful content.
READ: RSPCA issues important warning to cat owners this summer
David Bowles, RSPCA's head of public affairs, said: "It’s incredibly worrying to see that reports made to us about cruelty on social media have been increasing.
"This highlights the progress that social media companies need to make to become compliant with the new law, which makes it an offence to post content showing animal cruelty online.
"We’re very concerned that the use of social media has changed the landscape of abuse, with videos of animal cruelty being shared for likes and kudos.
"What’s even more worrying is the level of cruelty that can be seen in these videos, particularly as so many young people are being exposed to graphic footage of animals being beaten or killed, which they otherwise would never have seen."
The RSPCA's Kindness Index survey 2025 found that nearly one in three people had witnessed cruelty online (30 per cent).
Despite a slight decrease from last year, the presence of cruelty on social media remains a concern.
An alarming 46 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds reported seeing such content.
READ: 6 pets at RSPCA Dorset who are on the lookout for loving new homes
Facebook remains the primary source with 42 per cent of viewers observing cruelty content there.
The RSPCA's list of reported atrocious acts includes a wild rat being drowned, shampoo being poured into a Koi pond, a small pony being ridden and whipped, a cat being aggressively thrown into a cage and dogs being used to hunt wildlife.
The charity calls for more resources to be allocated to preventing this content from being posted or swiftly removing it.
The RSPCA is working with OfCom to monitor the impact of the Act over the next year.
During last summer, the RSPCA recorded a massive 33 per cent annual increase in cruelty reports, receiving 374 reports daily.
The charity has launched a summer cruelty campaign, appealing to the public to help them tackle the cruel side of summer, typically a joyous season for animals.
To donate and help support their cause, visit the RSPCA website.
Share