The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has warned that current welfare legislation must be re-examined to curb online animal abuse. SPCA argues that new online safety laws do not go far enough to curb the rising tide of digital animal cruelty.
Charity demands stronger powers to combat online animal abuse
According to Vet Times report, the charity is calling for enhanced enforcement powers to tackle the growing circulation of abusive content online. Despite the implementation of new legislation to improve internet safety, the organisation fears the problem is escalating.
Nicola Strachan, the group’s head of advocacy and strategic partnerships, stressed the real-world consequences of online abuse.
“Online cruelty is not victimless. It causes real, often extreme, suffering to animals and can have a deeply damaging impact on those who see it, particularly children,” she said.
Strachan pointed out that animal abuse content is being produced and circulated at an alarming rate. She said Scottish animal welfare legislation has failed to evolve alongside the methods of cruelty emerging in the digital era.
She further argued that a review of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act is essential. Such a review would equip the Act to properly tackle online-facilitated cruelty.
Data reveals alarming scale of animal cruelty in Scotland
The appeal comes just days after the annual Safer Internet Day, backed by troubling data from the Animal Kindness Index. The index reveals that one in five Scottish adults has encountered animal abuse content online.
The survey also highlights a growing concern among younger demographics. It says 31 per cent of children believe such material is being shared more frequently than before.
Further figures compiled by online safety charity South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL) recorded over 1,400 individual images. This also includes videos depicting abuse during 2024 and 2025.
Hayley Laskey of SWGfL warned of the normalising effect of such content.
“These images and videos are not only cruel and distressing, but they also normalise violence against animals and encourage continued online sharing,” she said.
She urges tech companies, policymakers, and the public to work together to stop the spread of this content.
The SSPCA’s renewed call for action follows the publication of its manifesto in November, setting out its priorities for this spring’s Scottish parliamentary elections.
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