Cruelty towards dogs in Cumbria has increased by 11 per cent in the past year, according to new figures from the RSPCA.

In 2022, the charity received 502 reports about cruelty to dogs in the area, compared to 450 reports in 2021.

The heartbreaking figures, released as part of the Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, encompass reports of intentional harm, neglect, and abandonments.

Intentional harm includes incidents such as attempted killing, poisoning, beating, improper killing, mutilation, and suspicious circumstances.

Shockingly, there were 89 reports of intentional harm to dogs in Cumbria. Rob Melloy, RSPCA chief inspector for Cumbria, said: “For hundreds of years dogs have been known as man’s best friend - and if you share your home with one, you will know why, as they are such loyal and loving companions. “But these awful statistics tell a different story. Dogs are the most abused animal in this country and we investigate more complaints about them than any other type of animal. “Everyone who cares about animals will be sickened to know how many reports we receive about dogs being kicked, beaten, burned or worse.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: “It is heartbreaking that we are seeing such sad figures which show animal cruelty is, very sadly, on the rise. “While we don’t know for certain why there has been an increase, the cost of living crisis and the post-pandemic world we live in has created an animal welfare crisis."

To support the RSPCA's efforts to combat animal cruelty, visit their website at www.rspca.org.uk/cruelty.