Animal cruelty convictions on rise

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Some 1,149 people were convicted for crimes against animals including dogs, cats, horses and rats, up from 927 in 2006, the RSPCA's annual cruelty statistics showed.

A total of 54 prison sentences were imposed, including ones for an owner who stabbed and tortured his 10-month-old border collie and another who kicked and slapped his cat to death because she had muddy paws, the RSPCA said.

The number of prison terms was up 42% on 2006, while 71 suspended sentences were imposed.

There was a jump of more than a third (34%) in the number of convictions for cruelty to dogs, with 1,197 offences last year.

Tim Wass, chief officer of the RSPCA Inspectorate, said the new Animal Welfare Act, which came into force during 2007, was making it possible to take action sooner to intervene in cases where there were concerns over animal welfare.

He said the animals who suffered cruelty were often the "helpless victims of our affluent, throwaway society".

"They're bought on a whim and discarded when the novelty wears off. Today's must-have item quickly turns into tomorrow's cast-off."

There was also a drop of more than £1 million in the costs of bringing the prosecutions to court - largely due to the Animal Welfare Act which makes the system easier.

Mr Wass welcomed the new law, and added: "The main reason we take people to court is to prevent suffering and save lives, and it's very reassuring to see the courts taking this seriously by issuing more and more banning orders, which prevent those convicted of cruelty from keeping animals in future."