CRUELTY towards dogs increased by 10 per cent 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.

These were how the figures can be broken down across the North Wales coast:

  • Conwy – 123 complaints (3.36 per cent increase on 2021).
  • Denbighshire – 137 complaints (24.55 per cent increase on 2021).
  • Gwynedd – 96 complaints (17.24 per cent decrease on 2021).
  • Isle of Anglesey – 67 complaints (17.54 per cent increase on 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 seven per cent increase from 2021.

The charity has released the 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.

In November 2022, a number of dogs and puppies were found in inappropriate conditions in North Wales.

A Labrador was found in an emaciated state and two puppies who were found dead. In total, 11 dogs and puppies were at the location - and were cared for appropriately.

When visiting, an inspector said: “I could see an extremely skinny yellow Labrador type dog and white long-haired German Shepherd-type dog tethered to what I would describe as some sort of trailer. 

“The dogs had no access to any suitable shelter, there was a sodden cushion on the ground near the German Shepherd and lots of empty dirty metal bowls.

“I could clearly see all of the ribs and hips on the Labrador, and could easily feel her spine, her teats were enlarged.”

In a caravan, she found eight black and chocolate Labrador cross puppies who were “very small”.

She said: “Inside the caravan were lots of old cabinets resting up against the sides, empty boxes and it was very dirty - not the type of environment where puppies should be kept as there were lots of places the puppies could potentially become trapped and it was very unsanitary. I did not see any food or water bowls inside the caravan.”

The 13 animals were taken into RSPCA care with the Labrador and pups settling in well in foster homes.

Following a prosecution case which was concluded last month, new homes are being sought for the animals.

Callum Bartley, supervisor at the RSPCA Bryn Y Maen Animal Centre, said: “We are at capacity and sadly we are receiving less rehoming queries than usual, so if you are considering adding a new pet to your family please consider adopting a rescue.

“Due to the cost of living crisis and other factors we have many dogs and cats on our waiting list so we are hoping we can rehome more of our wonderful residents soon so we can open our doors to even more in need.

“We’re also getting calls on an almost daily basis from people who want to relinquish their pets, it’s heartbreaking.

“Just this week we have had around 15 emails from people wanting to give up their pets - and we’d urge anyone struggling to check out the RSPCA’s cost of living hub for support.”