Reports of dog cruelty increased significantly in Powys in 2023 compared to the previous three years.

The RSPCA received 186 reports of cruelty to dogs in Powys last year.

In 2022 they received 152 reports in the county, in 2021 they received 140 and in 2020, received 146.

Cruelty to dogs has increased nation wide for the third year in a row since 2020. RSPCA Cymru now receive nearly 1,000 more reports about cruelty to dogs than it did four years ago.

In 2023 there were 3,876 reports, 3,515 in 2022, 3,075 in 2021 and 2,911 in 2020 - meaning reports have nearly gone up by nearly 1,000 since 2020.

“It is heartbreaking that more dogs need our help - we need to make a stand against this and say ‘no more’,” said Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the RSPCA.

“Dogs are supposed to be man’s best friend, yet more and more dogs are being subjected to cruelty every year. Dogs are the most popular pet in the UK yet also the ones who potentially suffer the most.

“We would love to see, next year, cruelty going down. We know we can’t do this alone - so our purpose is for everyone to work together to create a kinder world for animals. That's why we've launched our summer appeal, because it’s vital that we all take action together to help animals like these dogs.”

What you can do to help:

To donate to the RSPCA’s No Animal Deserves Cruelty summer appeal, please go to rspca.org.uk/appeal. 

If you suspect an animal is being cruelly treated, you can find out how to report this on the RSPCA’s website. Before contacting the RSPCA to make a report, be sure you have the following information to hand:

• Your name, address and telephone number

• The date, time and location/address of the incident - you can use what3words for a precise location

• A description of the animal's environment and body condition

• If known, the name and address of the person involved

• Names and addresses of any witnesses

•The registration number and description of any vehicle involved.