Reports of dog cruelty in Wales have increased for the third year in a row since 2020.

RSPCA Cymru received 3,876 reports of dog cruelty in 2023, up from 2,911 in 2020, a rise of nearly 1,000 since 2020.

This is part of a total of 13,337 reports of dog cruelty in Wales between 2020 and 2023.

The counties with the most reports last year were Rhondda Cynon Taff with 351, Swansea with 325, and Cardiff with 307.

The RSPCA's new data was released as part of its No Animal Deserves Cruelty summer appeal.

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: "It is heartbreaking that more dogs need our help - we need to make a stand against this and say ‘no more’.

(Image: 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.”

In June, three newborn puppies who had their umbilical cords still attached were found dead in a shoebox in Newport.

Danielle Wilson, animal rescue officer at the RSPCA, said: “These three pups had their umbilical cords still attached, so they couldn’t have been that old at all.

“We don’t know whether they died during birth and someone just didn’t know what to do with the bodies, or they died afterwards.”

If you suspect an animal is being cruelly treated, you can find out how to report this on the RSPCA’s website.

All reports made to the RSPCA are treated in confidence.