Dog cruelty incidents in Worcestershire have surged by more than 20 per cent in a year, according to the RSPCA.

The charity received 613 reports of dog cruelty in the county in 2023, a significant rise from 497 in 2022.

The trend mirrors a national increase, with the RSPCA recording 52,662 reports of dog cruelty across the UK in 2023, up from 48,567 in 2022.

The figures have been released by the RSPCA as part of its No Animal Deserves Cruelty summer appeal.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: "It is heartbreaking that more dogs need our help - we need to make a stand against this and say 'no more'.

"Dogs are supposed to be man's best friend, yet more and more dogs are being subjected to cruelty every year.

"We would love to see, next year, cruelty going down.

"We know we can't do this alone - so our purpose is for everyone to work together to create a kinder world for animals.

"That's why we've launched our summer appeal because it’s vital that we all take action together to help animals like these dogs."

The RSPCA shared the story of a Chihuahua named Dolly, who was subjected to deliberate cruelty but has since found happiness with a new owner.

Dolly was rescued in West Yorkshire after being taken to the vet with multiple injuries.

The vet suspected foul play and contacted the RSPCA.

X-rays revealed extensive injuries, including a broken rib, a fractured vertebra, skull injuries, and ripped dew claws.

Dolly's owner pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and was banned from keeping animals for life.

Dolly now lives with Lucy Green, an RSPCA inspector.

Ms Green said: "At first she was very nervous about certain things such as any loud noises or sudden movements.

"There were times where someone shouts on the TV or loud music might have come on during an advert and she would stop what she was doing and shake, lower her head and tuck her tail up under herself."

The RSPCA hopes to see a decline in animal cruelty cases in the coming year.