Convictions for animal neglect and cruelty rose by 33.8 per cent in England and Wales last year, the RSPCA has reported.
The RSPCA said the number of people convicted had increased by 15.7 per cent, noting it was possible for an individual to get more than one conviction.
RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant called on judges to take these offences ‘far more seriously’, as he admitted staff and volunteers were struggling against a ‘growing animal cruelty crisis’.
‘For us, prosecution is always the last resort. Our inspectors investigated 150,833 suspected cruelty cases and issued 78,090 advice notices last year – these are extremely effective in improving the care of animals,’ he said.
‘However if there is evidence of a crime and serious animal abuse then we will take legal action to protect the animals and prevent further abuse.’
There has been a sharp increase in the number on animals found abandoned (Picture: Rui Vieira/PA Wire)
File photo dated 29/04/13 of… Read the full story
