There has been an increase in cases of cruelty to animals in County Durham, with the RSPCA saying the number of incidents are "too high".
Heart-breaking figures from the RSPCA show an alarming increase in intentional cruelty against animals, with 252 reports in Durham last year - an increase of 5% compared to 2021. As a result, the animal charity is bracing for one of its busiest summers this year as it expects another summer of suffering, with more people reporting cruelty to animals from July to September.
Overall, the number of reports made nationally to the charity’s cruelty line about intentional harm to animals - including beatings, mutilations such as ear cropping, poisonings and even killings - has increased by 14%, with 12,582 reported last year compared to 11,012 reports in 2021.
