Dog cruelty cases across Merseyside up 10%
An average of four dogs a day were cruelly treated in the region last year
Shocking new figures show an increase in cruelty towards dogs across Merseyside last year.
It went up by 10% last year - with 1,534 reports made to the RSPCA.
That compares to 1,399 in 2021.
It means that an average of four dogs a day were mistreated.
The figures include reports made about intentionally harming dogs, neglect and abandonment.
The type of incidents in which dogs were intentionally harmed include attempted killing, poisoning, beating, improper killing, mutilation and suspicious circumstances.
There were 321 reports of dogs being harmed on purpose.
The RSPCA has released these figures as part of its 'Cancel Out Cruelty' campaign, to try and raise funds so frontline rescue teams can continue to save animals from abuse.
Brett Witchalls, Chief Inspector for Merseyside, 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."