Animal cruelty cases on the rise in London, new figures reveal

 
Animal cruelty: German Shepherd cross Bella,found in Croydon, was in such a skeletal state that she could not walk
Alexandra Rucki22 April 2015

Cruelty to animals is on the rise with the RSPCA recording the largest number of cases in Greater London, according to new figures.

The animal welfare charity investigated 12,201 complaints in the capital last year, with west Yorkshire far behind as the second highest in the country with 8,440 recorded complaints.

Some of the most shocking cases in London include a dog so emaciated she could not walk found in Croydon and a dog being kept locked up inside a car for three months in Mitcham.

Other cases include a Jack Russell puppy found with his tail hacked off and a dog shot with a crossbow in Peterborough.

Overall there were 159,831 complaints recorded in 2014, compared to 153, 770 in 2013.

The figures reveal there was a small spike in the number of cases involving deliberate and violent cruelty inflicted upon animals, rising to 20,258 from 19,683 in 2013.

But despite the rise in cruelty cases the number of prosecutions fell last year with 1,029 convictions compared to 1,371.

Peter Stilgoe, RSPCA superintendent for the South East, said: “Once again we have been shocked by just how vicious people can be to animals and it seems a large number of cases are happening here in this region.

“London is at the top of the list of counties in terms of number of complaints and Kent is not far behind. This is not a list anyone can be proud of leading.

“Many of the complaints we receive involve animals being neglected or not receiving the right care and often we can put that right by offering welfare advice.

“However, it is utterly unacceptable that in 2014 people are still being deliberately cruel in what can be disturbingly inventive ways.”

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