RSPCA sees rise in reports of cruelty to dogs in Powys

Figures put together by the RSPCA Cymru found that there were 146 complaints of alleged cruelty referring to dogs in 2022 – a rise of 4.29 per cent.

This came as part of a sharp rise in complaints in Wales with a 10 per cent rise across the country last year with 3,379 reports made to the RSPCA in the area about cruelty to dogs, compared with 3,065 in 2021.

The animal welfare charity said complaints included reports made about intentional harm, neglect and abandonments.

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Gemma Cooper, deputy chief inspector for West and Mid Wales, 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 such 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.”

In 2022, across Wales, the most calls for dogs came in from Swansea (296), Rhondda Cynon Taff (294) and Cardiff (278) - with reports from each area increasing from 2021.

Across England and Wales, the number of reports made to the RSPCA about dogs - including intentional harm, neglect and abandonments - in 2022 was 42,690, a 7 per cent increase from 2021 39,797.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, added: “Right now, animal cruelty is happening in Wales on a massive scale and rising. It is heartbreaking that we are seeing such sad figures which show animal cruelty is, very sadly, on the rise.

“While we don’t know for certain why there has been an increase, the cost of living crisis and the post-pandemic world we live in has created an animal welfare crisis.

“Each year, these reports reach its terrible annual peak in the summer months – when an animal is beaten on average every hour of every day. The cost-of-living crisis also means the cost of rescuing animals is at an all-time high and our vital services are stretched to the limit.”