Ipswich cockapoo puppies among Suffolk RSPCA cruelty rise

The RSPCA has released new data that shows that reports of animal cruelty towards dogs has increased by about 13% in Suffolk in the last year - nearly double the national average of 7%.

In 2022, there were 518 reports made to the RSPCA in the area about cruelty to dogs, compared with 459 in 2021.

The reports vary from neglect and abandonment to intentional harm, which includes attempted killing, poisoning, beating, improper killing, mutilation and suspicious circumstances.

There were 101 reports of these forms of violence reported.

In summer months cases of cruelty rise and the RSPCA said it is braced for its busiest time of the year.

Two cockapoos were rescued from the roadside in Ipswich in May (Image: RSPCA)

Two cockapoo puppies were dumped on the side of Old London Road in Ipswich in May this year and are now on the mend.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Jen Richardson, who is looking into the incident, said: "Both pups were quite lethargic when they were found and particularly sluggish and cold.

"They were taken into our care where they started to recover."

Adam Jones, RSPCA chief inspector for Suffolk, said of the increase in animal cruelty: "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."