The number of people convicted of cruelty and neglect to animals rose by nearly a quarter last year, according to RSPCA figures announced today.
You can read Dr Angus Nurse on the rising tide of animal cruelty HERE.
As well as a rise in those convicted under the Animal Welfare Act and other legislation, the animal welfare group reported increase in:
- bans on keeping animals; and
- the number of prison sentences imposed for animal cruelty.
According to the RSCPA, there was:
- 24% rise in the number of people convicted for cruelty and neglect (1,341);
- 22% rise in the convictions relating to cruelty to dogs (2,105);
- 21% increase in disqualifications imposed by courts (1,100);
- 27% rise in prison sentences imposed by courts (74);
- 9% increase in the numbers of people reported to our prosecutions team (3,036); and
- 13% rise in the number of phone calls received by the RSPCA (1,314,795)
‘We show zero tolerance to animal abusers.’ commented RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant. However it also reported ‘a crisis that is stretching us to breaking point’.
The RSPCA’s cruelty line is 0300 1234 999. More here.
