New figures show cruelty to dogs rose 10% in Wales last year – with Swansea topping RSPCA’s call list

They may be man’s best friend – but sadly cruelty towards dogs increased by 10% in Wales last year, new figures released by RSPCA Cymru reveal.

In 2022, there were 3,379 reports made to the RSPCA in the area about cruelty to dogs, compared with 3,065 in 2021.

The heartbreaking figures include reports made about intentional harm, neglect and abandonments.

Shockingly, there were 579 reports of intentional harm to dogs in 2022, while there were 45 abandonment reports, 81 reports concerning illegal activity and 1,922 reports relating to neglect.

In 2022, across Wales, the most calls for dogs came in from Swansea (296), Rhondda Cynon Taff (294) and Cardiff (278) – with reports from each area increasing from 2021.

Across England and Wales, the number of reports made to the RSPCA about dogs – including intentional harm, neglect and abandonments – in 2022 was 42,690, a 7% increase from 2021 (39,797).

Number of complaints of alleged cruelty referring to dogs.

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

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

Gemma Cooper, deputy chief inspector for West and Mid Wales, 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. 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.”

(Lead image: RSPCA Cymru)