Animal cruelty on rise in Worcestershire say RSPCA

Incidents of cruelty across Worcestershire and Herefordshire have risen by 8 per cent as the latest figures are published as part of the Cancel Out Cruelty campaign.

In 2022, there were 628 reports made to the RSPCA in the area about cruelty to dogs, compared with 582 in 2021. The figures have been described as 'heartbreaking' by the charity and includes reports about intentional harm, neglect and abandonments. 

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

There were 135 reports of intentional harm to dogs in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

READ MORE: Police investigate 'animal torture' near Turners Close play park

READ MORE: RSPCA: Puppies, kittens and animals face more animal cruelty

Nationally, the number of reports made to the RSPCA about dogs - including intentional harm, neglect and abandonments - in 2022 was 42,690, a 7 per cent increase from 2021 (39,797).

We have reported this month how a woman, who does not wish to be identified, heard the 'sickening screams' of what she believes was a dog being abused coming from within thick undergrowth in a copse near Turners Close in Worcester.

In summer months cases of cruelty rise and the charity is braced for its busiest time of the year.

The charity has released the figures as part of its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign to raise funds to help its frontline rescue teams continue to save animals from cruelty and abuse.

Thea Kerrison, acting chief inspector for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire area, 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 so 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. We need the public’s help to Cancel Out Cruelty. Their donations, no matter how small, help keep our frontline officers out on the road rescuing animals and investigating these terrible reports.”

In Worcestershire, a dog with deformed legs was abandoned in a secluded area in Bromsgrove.

ABANDONED: The dog, who was named Defford by rescuers, was found on a patch of land near Avoncroft Museum Of Historic Buildings in Redditch Road, Stoke Heath (Image: RSPCA)

The dog, who was named Defford by rescuers, was found on a patch of land near Avoncroft Museum Of Historic Buildings in Redditch Road, Stoke Heath.

Kind-hearted members of the museum’s team spotted the dog had been left tied to a tree before calling police after becoming concerned he’d been intentionally abandoned.

Defford - who was named after the police officer who helped him to safety - is thought to be a young German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois cross and is around a year old.

RSPCA Inspector Nicola Johnson, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “It really upsets me to think his owner had decided to just dump him like rubbish and simply walk away from their terrified pet.

“He must have been very confused and frightened to be tied up and abandoned like this. He has deformed rear legs and a very distinct walk so should be easily identifiable to anyone who has seen him before.

“He is such a sweet and gentle-natured dog. It’s heartbreaking to think someone has abandoned him because of his legs.”