Rise In Dog Cruelty ‘Heartbreaking’, Says RSPCA

A rise in reports of cruelty to dogs is being described as ‘heart-breaking’ by the RSCPA.

Over 860 reports were received in Leicestershire in 2023 – over 120 more than the previous year – while in Northamptonshire the number jumped by over 50 to 550.

The figures have been released by the charity as part of its No Animal Deserves Cruelty summer appeal.

Nationally, in 2023, the RSPCA received 52,662 reports about cruelty to dogs – around 144 a day – compared to 48,567 in 2022 – an increase of 8% in just one year.

Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the RSPCA, said: “It is heartbreaking that more dogs need our help – we need to make a stand against this and say ‘no more’.

“Dogs are supposed to be man’s best friend, yet more and more dogs are being subjected to cruelty every year.

“We would love to see, next year, cruelty going down. We know we can’t do this alone – so our purpose is for everyone to work together to create a kinder world for animals.

“That’s why we’ve launched our summer appeal, because it’s vital that we all take action together to help animals like these dogs.”