LAUNCHED during RSPCA Week, the RSPCA Prosecutions Annual Report highlights some of the worst cases of cruelty and neglect that RSPCA officers have faced in the past year.
The latest figures also show an increase in rescues and collections and a 100 per cent success rate for RSPCA prosecutions in Wales last year (up from 97.8 per cent in 2012). Shocking cases dealt with by RSPCA inspectors in the last year include a horse breeder who allowed his ponies to suffer so much that nine had to be euthanised, and was jailed for 10 weeks after being found guilty of multiple animal welfare offences in October 2013. In another case, a married couple from Pembrokeshire were banned from keeping dogs for five years after their dogs were found to be so emaciated that one of them – a lurcher- weighed less than a cat. The cruelty statistics for 2013 show why animals so desperately need the public to support RSPCA Cymru this RSPCA Week and beyond: • 14 per cent rise in the number of cases reported (2012=174 2013= 199) • 10 per cent rise in the number of people reported (2012=288 2013 = 318) • 20 per cent rise in the total number of convictions across Wales (2012=248 2013= 297) • 50 per cent increase in the number of offenders cautioned (2012=61 2013 = 91). RSPCA Cymru’s Steve Carter, said: “The RSPCA is leading the fight against a growing animal cruelty crisis. Despite immense demands placed on us, we have a 100 per cent success rate in Wales for our prosecutions – demonstrating how robust our investigative process is. “For us, prevention of cruelty is key and that is why we have try to work with people wherever possible to educate them and help improve the lives of animals – a fact that is reflected in the 50 per cent rise in the number of offenders cautioned.” On a more positive note, the number of animals rescued or collected by the RSPCA in Wales increased by 123 per cent (from 8,847 = 2012 to 19,709 = 2013). With more animals than ever needing help, the RSPCA is appealing for people to dig deep and give as much support possible – whether that is by holding a fundraising event during RSPCA Week, volunteering for a local branch or centre, or if people are in a position to do so – giving a forever home to an abandoned or abused animal.
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