Cruelty to dogs increased in North Yorkshire in 2023, shocking figures from the RSPCA show.
Last year, the RSPCA received 1,173 reports about cruelty to dogs in the county, compared to 1,078 in 2022.
That’s an increase of more than 8%.
Nationally, in 2023, the RSPCA received 52,662 reports about cruelty to dogs – around 144 a day – compared to 48,567 in 2022.
The figures have been rising year-on-year since 2020, with a rise of 23% increase in just four years.
The new figures have been released by the RSPCA as part of its No Animal Deserves Cruelty summer appeal.
Dolly’s shocking injuries
Chihuahua Dolly was rescued by the RSPCA after being subjected to deliberate cruelty – but is now living a happy life with her new owner after her rehabilitation at the York branch.
Her journey to happiness, though, wasn’t an easy one.
When her previous owner took her to the vets with multiple injuries, they claimed that all were accidental – but the vet wasn’t convinced.
When the vet placed Dolly on the floor near her owner to assess her movement, she immediately ran towards the vet and hid behind her legs, shivering, crouching very low to the ground and with her tail between her legs.
Despite the owner calling her to come to him, this happened repeatedly from different points in the room. The vet contacted the RSPCA to investigate.
Shockingly, X-rays revealed Dolly’s injuries were much more extensive than first anticipated. She had a broken rib, a fracture to her third vertebrae indicative of a tail pull injury and a dislocated tail. The X-rays also showed skull injuries and her dew claws had been ripped out.
Dolly had extensive bruising and swelling to her lips and muzzle area where the skin had begun to slough off. She had a cut on both the upper lip and the bridge of her nose. She was also found to have blood in her bladder.
Her owner pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Dolly and was banned from keeping animals for life.
New life
Today, Dolly has a whole new life with her new owner, Lucy Green – who also works as an RSPCA inspector.
Lucy said: “She was initially quite timid but settled in quickly and enjoyed attention. Dolly would often get up and follow me as I left a room
“At first she was very nervous about certain things such as any loud noises or sudden movements. There were times where someone shouts on the TV or loud music might have come on during an advert and she would stop what she was doing and shake, lower her head and tuck her tail up under herself.”
Former RSPCA Inspector Alice Cooper, who investigated the case, said: “It was heartbreaking to think of what Dolly had suffered, and I was determined to get justice for Dolly and hopefully prevent any other animals from suffering at the hands of her owner.
“Dolly had every reason to be terrified and withdrawn around humans, considering what she had been through, and yet she just wanted love and attention. I saw her multiple times throughout her recovery, and she always enjoyed a cuddle. It’s like she finally knew she was safe.
“As an RSPCA Inspector, you regularly have to deal with traumatic situations. You get well practised in dulling your own emotions, putting on the professional facade and getting the job done. I think Dolly’s case tested my resilience more than any other.
“There were times when I was sad, angry, scared and every emotion in between, but I’m proud of the part I and my RSPCA team played in securing a positive outcome to this awful situation. I will be forever thankful to everyone who helped piece this broken little dog back together again.”
To donate to the RSPCA’s No Animal Deserves Cruelty summer appeal, go to rspca.org.uk/appeal