24/04/2012

RSPCA Reveal Rise In Animal Cruelty Convictions

The RSPCA has said the number of convictions over animal cruelty and neglect has risen by nearly a quarter in the last year.

However the animal charity has also said the number of new cases has lead to a funding crisis.

Some of the new cases included a dog stabbed repeatedly with a potato peeler and a blind kitten found dumped in a carrier bag.

As well as a rise in those convicted under the Animal Welfare Act and other legislation, there were also increases in both the number of prison sentences imposed for animal cruelty and bans on keeping animals.

Mr Grant said: "The RSPCA faces a crisis that is stretching us to breaking point.

"We show zero tolerance to animal abusers. Anyone causing animals pain for profit or pleasure will be tracked down and prosecuted.

"We need the courts and councils, police and people who care to join us in standing up and getting justice for Britain's abused animals."

(H)




Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

18 October 2013
Dog Owner Avoids Jail Over Teens' Death
A dog owner has received a 16-week suspended sentence over animal cruelty offences. Four dogs, owned by 45-year-old Beverley Concannon, attacked and killed 14-year-old Jade Anderson in March this year. Concannon admitted causing suffering to the dogs, which the judge said contributed to their state.
26 July 2006
Animal cruelty on the rise
Cruelty to animals is on the rise in the UK, according to the latest figures from the RSPCA. The animal welfare organisation's latest cruelty figures revealed that, in 2005, 25,784 animals were left without access to water - an increase of 104% on the previous year.
09 April 2010
Youths Arrested For Animal Cruelty
Five Salisbury youths have been released on police bail after being questioned about the brutal killing of a duckling. At around 7pm on Tuesday police responded to reports from the public that a group of teenage boys were abusing a duckling in the area of Crane Street near to the bridge.
12 January 2007
'Fat dog' owners found guilty of animal cruelty
Two brothers who allowed their pet Labrador to become "grossly" overweight have been found guilty of animal cruelty. Derek and David Benton, aged 62 and 53 respectively, were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to nine-year-old Rusty by providing an inappropriate diet.
10 June 2005
Woman jailed for animal cruelty
A woman who kept almost 300 animals in her home has been jailed for three months at Preston Magistrates’ Court. Rosalind Gregson, 55, was also banned from keeping any animals for life. The court was told that Ms Gregson kept 271 animals, including 246 dogs, 16 birds, five cats, two kittens, a rabbit and a chinchilla, in her home.