Cruelty to dogs on the rise in the West Midlands
The RSPCA said an average of seven dogs a day were cruelly treated last year.
Last updated 25th Aug 2023
New figures from the RSPCA show on average, seven dogs a day are being abused, neglected or abandoned in the West Midlands.
In 2022, there were 2,608 reports made to the charity in the region about cruelty to dogs, compared with 2,253 in 2021. That's an increase of 16 per cent.
Shockingly, there were 511 reports of intentional harm to dogs in the West Midlands.
Nationally, the number of reports made to the RSPCA about dogs - including intentional harm, neglect and abandonments - in 2022 was 42,690, a 7% 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.
John Grant, chief inspector for the West Midlands, 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.”