RSPCA investigated more than 1,300 complaints of animal cruelty in Shropshire last year

The RSPCA investigated 1,348 complaints about animal cruelty in Shropshire last year - with four new animal welfare concerns being looked into by local inspectors every day.

The figure has been released as part of the charity's annual Cruelty Statistics, which shows that, nationally, 141,760 complaints about animal welfare were investigated in 2017.

Cases investigated by the RSPCA in Shropshire last year included:

• A cat who was injured in a homemade snare trap;
• An abandoned Shar Pei dog found in such bad condition he couldn't be saved.

The most calls received related to dogs (737), followed by cats (295) and then equines (136).

Kelly Lake, the RSPCA's chief inspector for the county, said:  "Animal cruelty horrifies much of today's society and this figure tells us that there are suffering animals in the county who need our help every day.

"We are very grateful to everyone who takes the time to raise concerns. A call from a member of the public not only helps to give a voice to animals in desperate need but it helps our officers investigate and help bring animal abusers to justice.

"It is shocking that people can be capable of such deliberate brutality towards animals, but equally it drives us on to ensure that perpetrators of animal cruelty are put before the courts.

"Either way, our officers are under increased pressure having to respond to more calls and investigate more complaints, but it is thanks to their dedication, as well as RSPCA staff and volunteers that we are able to transform the lives of thousands of animals in Shropshire each year."

In Shropshire in 2017, the RSPCA received 136 complaints about 100 horses.

Chief Inspector Lake said: "Many of the calls we receive about equines are concerns about them being underweight, due to poor grazing or a lack of supplementary food, and also concerns about overgrown hooves."

The RSPCA's inspectorate national equine co-ordinator Christine McNeil said: "Up and down England and Wales, horses are being found sick, dying or sometimes dead. It is frequently the case that they have been abandoned and left to die. This is upsettingly very common and it's a massive issue - a very sad one at that.

"We are constantly receiving calls to our cruelty line - on average 80 per day about horses alone across England and Wales - as well as messages every day on social media from very concerned and upset people asking for our help."

If you are concerned about an animal's welfare, you can report this to the RSPCA's cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.