INVESTIGATIONS into animal cruelty have increased in Dorset, according to figures revealed by the RSPCA.

 

The animal welfare charity investigated 1895 complaints last year, compared to 1858 in 2015 – a rise of nearly two per cent.

 

One incident concerned a Dorset man who was part of a gang that tortured and killed wild animals with their dogs.

 

The group of 11 were sentenced last year for their acts of cruelty.

 

One piece of footage seized during the investigation by the RSPCA showed a badger screaming in pain as it was torn apart by two dogs.

 

Other clips showed a fox trapped in a cage being tormented by dogs.

 

One group member, Oliver Blatch, from Sturminster Newton, was sentenced for two offences of killing deer.

 

Figures released by the RSPCA today show there were more complaints made about incidents in Hampshire than anywhere else within the south west region – 4,131.

 

Nationally, there were 400 allegations of animal cruelty every day last year – a total of 148,604 and a rise of nearly 5 per cent from 2015.

 

Calls to the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty hotline also rose by nearly 4 per cent, which amounted to more than 1.15million calls last year - averaging one every 27 seconds.

 

The charity’s leading inspector believes the surge in calls is down to the public becoming more aware and less tolerant of animal cruelty and neglect, rather than a sign that people are becoming crueller.

 

Dermot Murphy, assistant director of the RSPCA Inspectorate, said: “I believe that the figures from last year show that we’re not becoming crueller, but that people are simply less willing to stand by and do nothing if they think an animal is suffering.

 

“People are increasingly likely to share images or footage on their social media accounts of animals they believe are not being cared for properly, while many will see material their friends have shared and then contact us about them.

 

“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 across England and Wales, that we are able to transform the lives of tens of thousands of animals each year.”

 

The number of people convicted of animal cruelty offences in the South West was 93, down from 104 in 2015.

 

The majority of complaints received by the RSPCA in 2016 continued to be about the welfare of dogs, followed by cats and equines.