BEHIND THE HEADLINES: RSPCA faces rise in cruelty cases across Wales

THE RSPCA receives more than 50,000 calls from the public in Wales each year.

The animal charity has seen a rise in the number of complaints investigated from 11,372 in 2013, to 11,740.

Of those complaints, 1,389 involved deliberate and often violent cruelty being inflicted on animals. This was up from 1,264 in 2013.

These complaints include beatings, fighting related, improper killing, poisoning, trapping and mutilation.

RSPCA superintendent Martyn Hubbard said these figures are extremely concerning.

He said: “Most of the complaints we receive involve animals being neglected or not receiving the right care and often we can put that right by offering welfare advice.”

“However, it is shocking that in 2014, people are still being deliberately cruel.”

The latest figures released by the charity show that in total the RSPCA in Wales secured 116 convictions in magistrates courts in 2014 – there were 297 convictions in 2013. It points out that one person can receive more than one conviction and a case may concern one of multiple suspects.

The number of defendants convicted in Wales in 2014, was 47. This is compared to 79 in 2013. The number of suspects from Wales reported to the RSPCA prosecutions department was 245 in 2014 (down from 318 in 2013)

The number of offenders cautioned in 2014, was 74 – down from 91 in 2013.

The latest figures show a 100 per cent success rate for RSPCA prosecutions in Wales last year – which also follows a 100 per cent success rate in 2013.

The number of animal owners who were offered and accepted welfare advice increased from 4,920 in 2013, to 5,527 in 2014. The cast majority of RSPCA work is improving animal welfare by giving advice to owners.

Superintendent Hubbard added: “Our aim is always to prevent cruelty so it’s really positive that a greater number of people followed our advice.”

“Crucially this means that although we are still receiving complaints about cruelty we are often getting to incidents before suffering has occurred and helping owners to provide for their animals, whether that means getting veterinary care for them or just giving them the right diet.”

“Sadly, though, where cruelty is still happening there will be a need to prosecute in the most serious cases and it is upsetting that so many people are still mistreating animals by deliberately causing them harm or by not providing them with the care they deserve.”

The RSPCA was founded in a London coffee shop in 1824, and became the world’s first animal welfare charity.

Back then it was known as the SPCA – the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and gained Royal patronage in 1837.

As a charity it will, by all lawful means, prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate suffering of all animals.

In Gwent, the charity’s frontline staff and volunteers work around the clock to care for and nurse back to health cats, dogs, rabbits and other domestic animals.

The Newport Animal Centre at Hartridge Farm Road cares for more than 100 animals at any one time, the majority of which have been rescued.

“The majority of the animals in our care will have been rescued by RSPCA inspectors and many have been rescued from neglect and bad treatment by their previous owners,” explained the centre’s manager Debbie Caffull.

“When they come to us they are often nervous of strangers. Our staff and volunteers spend weeks, sometimes months, looking after them preparing them for a new life and a second chance.”

“As many of the animals in our care have been victims of cruelty they often require a period of rehabilitation before they are ready to be rehomed. By the time our staff believe the animal is ready they will have spent a lot of time observing their behaviour and have a good knowledge of any health problems – this helps us match their needs to a suitable person or family.”

“All the animals are looking for someone to offer them a new home, to be a friend and to meet their needs.”

“Every animal adopted from us will already be microchipped, vaccinated and neutered.”

Last week the Argus featured a dog found covered in sores, suffering with a severe skin condition and bleeding, who has since had a complete transformation in RSPCA care.

Zeus, a Dogue de Bordeaux, was found straying in the Newport area in a horrific state of health. But following a lot of care and attention he has come on leaps and bounds at RSPCA Newport Animal Centre and his life has been completely turned around.

Ms Caffull said that the charity is hoping that Zeus will be ready for rehoming in the next few weeks.

“We really hope we can find him a forever home and a loving owner who will give him all the love and attention he truly deserves.”

While the charity is unable to provide details of the cost of nurturing these animals back to health, Mr Hubbard said: “Thousands of animals come into our care every year; animals we have rescued from cruelty or neglect, who have been abandoned or where circumstances mean owners can’t look after them anymore.”

“We seek to find pets the best possible future, however bad their past may have been.”

“The shocking fact is that even in a nation of animal lovers, there are thousands of people out there who don’t care about their pets at all,” he added.

“Shockingly people are deliberately dumping their animals in out of the way places – like bins, skips or on waste grounds – and leaving them to die.”

“We would urge people to be responsible pet owners and to seriously consider before taking on the responsibility of an animal.”

Among the animals that are looking to be re-homed at the Newport Centre is Rolo. The two-year-old crossbreed dog has been at the centre for eleven months, having spent several months with staff doing extensive work with him to help him learn how to be around other dogs due to his previous experience.

Ms Caffull said: “We have worked on distracting Rolo when another dog approaches, and this involved getting him to the point when he is listening to the handler and responding to them when called. The next step was to then get him gradually closer to dogs.”

“As he approaches he is called and rewarded with a treat or his favourite raggy toy. We have been able to get him close to dogs and although he is vocal there is a vast improvement.”

“Rolo is a very playful, affectionate dog that will make a truly rewarding companion. Rolo loves to run off lead and loves human company and interactions. He has learned all of his basic commands and will repeat them over and over as long as you have a tasty treat or a toy.”

He will need an owner who has experience with large dogs as he is very strong and also someone with the experience to be able to continue his training and interactions with other dogs. He is able to live in a home with sensible secondary school age children that are used to dogs and will need to be the only pet in the household.

Another resident at the centre is Hewitt, a three-year-old cat who has lots of love to give.

Sadly the centre is finding it difficult to rehome him as nobody seems to like the fact that he has no tail – which he was born without.

“Hewitt is a very affectionate boy and will make a super-friendly pet. He is quite a gentle soul and could live with older children who will give him a little space when he needs it.

He joins Cassie, an eight-year-old Rottweiler who was very overweight upon arrival at the centre weighing nearly 50 kilos. Now she enjoys frequent short, gentle walks throughout the day and has lost 10 kilos. Cassie could live in a household with older children who are used to bigger breeds and could assist with her regular walks and feeding plan.

Six-year-old Tizer is looking for a forever home. The crossbreed dog is affectionate and loyal and enjoys being active. Tizer has already had some training and knows most of his basic commands and walks well on the lead. Staff say he is often overlooked at the centre but just so desperately wants his forever home.

For those who do not have the means to rehome an animal there are other ways to get involved with the centre.

Ms Caffull said the centre is always looking for volunteers to carry out essential work that makes the centre run on a day-to-day basis and there is a shop within the centre selling products for pets.

“We also hold several family fun days throughout the year, including an Easter fun day, sponsored dog walks, a Christmas bazaar, an open day and microchipping special deal events.”

For details about the rescue animals that are in need of a home contact Newport Animal Centre on 0300 123 0744 or email newport@rspca.org.uk