The RSPCA investigated more than 6,000 complaints about animal cruelty in the West Midlands last year – with 17 new animal welfare concerns being looked into by local inspectors every day.
The figure – which stands at 6,216 puts the West Midlands as the second cruellest county in the Midlands region – has been released as part of the charity’s annual Cruelty Statistics.
Nationally, the West Midlands is fourth in the 10 counties which has the most animal cruelty complaints.
The highest number of complaints investigated were in Greater London (11,259), followed by Greater Manchester (7,472) and then West Yorkshire (6,969). Across England and Wales, 388 new cases of animal cruelty were investigated every day.
Cases investigated by the RSPCA in the West Midlands last year included a dog beaten by his owner next to a canal, a dog tied up in bin bag and left to die at the side of a road and a tiny terrier found with a coat heavily matted in dreadlocks weighing 2kg and measuring 13.5 inches long.
Rebecca Cooper, the RSPCA’s chief inspector for the county, said: “Animal cruelty horrifies much of today’s society and this figure tells us that there are suffering animals in the county who need our help every day.
“We are very grateful to everyone who takes the time to raise concerns. A call from a member of the public not only helps to give a voice to animals in desperate need but it helps our officers investigate and help bring animal abusers to justice.
“It is shocking that people can be capable of such deliberate brutality towards animals, but equally it drives us on to ensure that perpetrators of animal cruelty are put before the courts.
“Either way, our officers are under increased pressure having to respond to more calls and investigate more complaints, but it is thanks to their dedication, as well as RSPCA staff and volunteers that we are able to transform the lives of thousands of animals in the West Midlands each year.”
If you are concerned about an animal’s welfare, you can report this to the RSPCA’s cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.
