Cruelty towards dogs increased by 25 per cent in Warwickshire last year, new figures released by the RSPCA show.

In 2022, there were 497 reports made to the RSPCA in the area about cruelty to dogs, compared with 397 in 2021.

The figures include reports made about intentional harm, neglect and abandonments.

The type of incidents which come under intentional harm are attempted killing, poisoning, beating, improper killing, mutilation and suspicious circumstances.

There were 105 reports of intentional harm to dogs in Warwickshire.

Nationally, the number of reports made to the RSPCA about dogs - including intentional harm, neglect and abandonments - in 2022 was 42,690, a seven per cent increase from 2021 (39,797).

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

The charity has released the figures as part of its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, in a bid to raise funds to help its frontline rescue teams continue to save animals from cruelty and abuse.

Sarah Chambers, chief inspector for Warwickshire, 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 so 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 is highlighting the figures as part of the charity's Cancel Out Cruelty campaign - after latest figures showing the charity saw a 22 per cent increase in reports of beatings in 2022 (9,658 in 2022, compared to 7,857 in 2021).