THERE were more than 400 reports of cruelty to dogs reported in Shropshire in the last year, according to the RSPCA.

The animal charity has released the figures showing there were 406 reports last year a part of its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign.

Kelly Lake, RSPCA chief inspector for Shropshire, says the figure makes for sad reading for dog lovers all over the country and called for residents’ help put an end to it.

She 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.”

The heartbreaking 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.

Shockingly, there were 66 reports of intentional harm to dogs in Shropshire.

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 (39,797).

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

The charity has released the heartbreaking figures as part of its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, in a bid to raise funds to help its frontline rescue teams continue to save animals from cruelty and abuse.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: “Right now, animal cruelty is happening in England and 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.

“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.”