THE number of reports of cruelty to dogs in Carmarthenshire has increased by almost 20 per cent in the last year.

In 2022, RSPCA Cymru received 3,379 reports of cruelty to dogs across Wales, which was a 10 per cent increase on the 3,065 in 2021.

Dogs don’t seem to be man’s best friends in Carmarthenshire as reports of cruelty rose from 191 in 2021, to 229 in 2022, with an increase of 19.90 per cent, the sixth highest rise across Wales.

RSPCA revealed the figures as part of its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign.

Details of the individual types of harm across Carmarthenshire have not been revealed, but on a Wales-wide basis, there were 579 reports of intentional harm to dogs, 45 of abandonment, 81 of illegal activity and 1,922 reports of neglect.

Gemma Cooper, deputy chief inspector for West and Mid Wales, said: “For hundreds of years dogs have been known as man’s best friend – and if you share your home with one, you will know why, as they are such loyal and loving companions.

“But these awful statistics tell a different story. Dogs are the most abused animal in this country and we investigate more complaints about them than any other type of animal.

“Everyone who cares about animals will be sickened to know how many reports we receive about dogs being kicked, beaten, burned or worse. We need the public’s help to cancel out cruelty. Their donations, no matter how small, help keep our frontline officers out on the road rescuing animals and investigating these terrible reports.”

The RSPCA also revealed some of the calls they had been sent out to across Wales. In November 2022 in north Wales, 11 dogs and puppies were found in poor condition including a Labrador in an emaciated state and two puppies were found dead.

The visiting inspector said: “I could see an extremely skinny yellow Labrador type dog and white long haired German Shepherd type dog tethered to what I would describe as some sort of trailer.

“The dogs had no access to any suitable shelter, there was a sodden cushion on the ground near the German Shepherd and lots of empty dirty metal bowls. I could clearly see all of the ribs and hips on the Labrador, and could easily feel her spine, her teats were enlarged.

“Inside the caravan were lots of old cabinets resting up against the sides, empty boxes and it was very dirty – not the type of environment where puppies should be kept as there were lots of places the puppies could potentially become trapped and it was very unsanitary. I did not see any food or water bowls inside the caravan.”

There was a case for prosecution and the 13 animals are currently in care, whilst new homes are found.

Another case in the south Wales area was a dog left during hot weather in the summer of 2022 without adequate water or shelter. Police were called after members of the public saw the dog in a slumped collapsed state. The dog was taken from the site, given water and cooled down, and taken to a vets in an air-conditioned car, with the vets clocking her temperature at a near fatal 39.8 degrees.

The owner was prosecuted and the dog made a full recovery and is now waiting for her forever home.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: “Right now, animal cruelty is happening in Wales on a massive scale and rising. It is heartbreaking that we are seeing such sad figures which show animal cruelty is, very sadly, on the rise.

“While we don’t know for certain why there has been an increase, the cost of living crisis and the post-pandemic world we live in has created an animal welfare crisis.

“Each year, these reports reach its terrible annual peak in the summer months – when an animal is beaten on average every hour of every day. The cost-of-living crisis also means the cost of rescuing animals is at an all-time high and our vital services are stretched to the limit.”

For more about the RSPCA’s work and how you can help, visit www.rspca.org.uk