RSPCA Cymru has revealed that neglect is the most reported issue for dogs in Wales - with an expected spike of reports expected this summer. 

New figures released today as part of the animal welfare charity’s Cancel Out Cruelty campaign show that despite being man’s best friend there were 44,427 reports of dog cruelty made to the RSPCA across England and Wales involving 92,244 dogs last year.

That is 253 a day or more than 10 an hour - and includes 10,228 dogs reported as beaten. This shows a significant 16% increase since 2020.

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In Wales alone, the figures show there were 3,065 reports of dog cruelty in 2021. The top of the list was neglect with 1,890 calls and there were 500 calls relating to intentional harm.  

In Wrexham, 146 cases were reported, with 90 of them being neglected. In Flintshire, there were 132 cases reported with 84 being neglected and in Denbighshire there were 110 cases with 74 being neglect.

With more people becoming dog owners during lockdown the charity is concerned the number of cruelty incidents involving canines will increase this summer.

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To help prevent suffering the RSPCA has launched its Cancel Our Cruelty campaign which aims to raise funds to keep its rescue teams on the frontline saving animals in desperate need of help.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “We are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers and dogs are ‘man’s best friend’ as the saying goes but in reality we receive many cruelty reports every day about dogs who have suffered the most unimaginable cruelty.

“It is heartbreaking to see the number of cruelty calls made in Wales go into the thousands and it is very concerning to see the number of reports relating to neglect and intentional harm top the list.”

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Sam added: “With the public’s help in reporting cruelty they have been able to save many dogs from ongoing abuse.

“During the summer we see a rise in cruelty and this year as we have seen such a massive increase in dog ownership since lockdown we are bracing ourselves for even more reports.

“All these factors mean that we need the public's support more than ever to help Cancel Out Cruelty. As a charity, we are bracing to tackle a summer of suffering but we cannot do this without your help.”

For more information about the new campaign, visit here.