“HEARTBREAKING” new figures reveal that reports of cruelty to dogs in Dorset have risen over the past year, the RSPCA has revealed.

Last year, the RSPCA received 560 reports about cruelty to dogs in the county, compared to 475 in 2022.

“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.”

THE RSPCA’s summer appeal, No Animal Deserves Cruelty, has been launched to tackle the growing problem.

Nationally, in 2023, the RSPCA received 52,662 reports about cruelty to dogs – around 144 a day – compared to 48,567 in 2022 – an increase of 8% in just one year.

The charity received 42,613 reports on cruelty to dogs in 2020, marking a 23% increase in just four years. In 2021, the number of reports was 44,479 – meaning the figures have been rising year-on-year.

Dolly’s story: “I will be forever thankful to everyone who helped piece this broken little dog back together again.”

Chihuahua Dolly was rescued by the RSPCA  after being subjected to deliberate cruelty – but is now living a happy life with her new owner.

Her journey to happiness, though, wasn’t an easy one.

When her previous owner took her to the vets with multiple injuries, they claimed that all were accidental – but the vet was concerned that what they were being told wasn’t the truth.

Dolly in tears as she was rescued Picture: RSPCA

When the vet placed Dolly on the floor near her owner to assess her movement, she immediately ran towards the vet and hid behind her legs, shivering, crouching very low to the ground and had her tail between her legs. Despite the owner calling her to come to him, this happened repeatedly from different points in the room. The vet contacted the RSPCA to investigate.

Shockingly, X-rays revealed Dolly’s injuries were much more extensive than first anticipated. She had a broken rib, a fracture to her third vertebrae indicative of a tail pull injury and a dislocated tail. The X-rays also showed skull injuries and her dew claws had been ripped out.

Her owner pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Dolly and was banned from keeping animals for life.

Today, Dolly has a whole new life with her new owner, Lucy Green – who also works as an RSPCA inspector.

Dolly is living a much better life now Picture: RSPCA

Ms Green said: “She was initially quite timid but settled in quickly and enjoyed attention. Dolly would often get up and follow me as I left a room

“At first she was very nervous about certain things such as any loud noises or sudden movements. There were times where someone shouts on the TV or loud music might have come on during an advert and she would stop what she was doing and shake, lower her head and tuck her tail up under herself.”

Former RSPCA Inspector Alice Cooper, who investigated the case, said: “It was heart breaking to think of what Dolly had suffered, and I was determined to get justice for Dolly and hopefully prevent any other animals from suffering at the hands of her owner.

“Dolly had every reason to be terrified and withdrawn around humans, considering what she had been through, and yet she just wanted love and attention. I saw her multiple times throughout her recovery, and she always enjoyed a cuddle. It’s like she finally knew she was safe.”

Picture: RSPCA

What you can do to help:

To donate to the RSPCA’s No Animal Deserves Cruelty summer appeal, 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.

All reports made to the RSPCA are made in confidence.