CRUELTY towards dogs increased by eight per cent in Herefordshire and Worcestershire last year, new figures released by the RSPCA show.

In 2022, there were 628 reports made to the RSPCA in the region about cruelty to dogs, compared with 582 in 2021.

The figures include reports made about intentional harm, neglect and abandonments.

The type of incidents which come under intentional harm are attempted killing, poisoning, beating, improper killing, mutilation and suspicious circumstances. There were 135 reports of intentional harm to dogs in the two counties.

OTHER NEWS:

Nationally, the number of reports made to the RSPCA about dogs - including intentional harm, neglect and abandonments - in 2022 was 42,690, a seven per cent increase from 2021.

In the summer months, cases of cruelty rise and the charity is braced for its busiest time of the year.

Thea Kerrison, acting chief inspector for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “For hundreds of years dogs have been known as man’s best friend - and if you share your home with one, you will know why, as they are so loyal and loving companions.

“But these awful statistics tell a different story. Dogs are the most abused animal in this country and we investigate more complaints about them than any other type of animal.

“Everyone who cares about animals will be sickened to know how many reports we receive about dogs being kicked, beaten, burned or worse.

"We need the public’s help to cancel out cruelty. Their donations, no matter how small, help keep our frontline officers out on the road rescuing animals and investigating these terrible reports.”

 

What are your thoughts?

You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here.

Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence.