An animal welfare charity investigated more than 1,500 complaints of animal cruelty in Bucks last year - with four new concerns being looked into by inspectors every day.

The RSPCA investigated 1,538 complaints about animal cruelty in the county in 2017. 

Cases investigated by the charity included 19 cats who were rescued from a flat, where they were living in unpleasant and dirty conditions and a horse who suffered a serious injury after being slashed with a knife in his field.

The most calls related to the safety and welfare of dogs - a total of 873. Meanwhile, 343 calls were made about cats and 209 about horses. 

The figure has been released as part of the charity’s annual cruelty statistics, which show that, nationally, 141,760 complaints about animal welfare were investigated in 2017.

Rob Hartley, 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 Buckinghamshire each year.”

  • If you are concerned about an animal’s welfare, you can report it to the RSPCA’s cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.