RSPCA Prosecutions in Norfolk And Suffolk

The number of animal cruelty cases has nearly doubled in part of our region according to the latest figures.

There's been a national increase in the level of abuse reported of around a third, in Suffolk its remained the same over the last year, but in Norfolk there has been nearly twice the amount of prosecutions - with a lot more cases in Great Yarmouth.

John Grant is the RSPCA's Chief Inspector for Norfolk and Suffolk and says there are still problems with 'bull' breeds, such as bull mastiffs, and also Staffies. But there is a particular problem with horses at the moment.

 

 

These figures from the RSPCA show the number of people convicted in the counties of East Anglia

 

               2011   2012

 

Norfolk      22      37

Suffolk      10     10

Cambridge 19      24

Beds         20      22

Herts        14      23 

Esssex       24      32 

 

The RSPCA Prosecutions Annual Report also shows there was a 15.7 per cent increase in the number of defendants convicted last year in England and Wales.

Animals rescued or collected by the RSPCA increased from 119,126 to 130,695, a 9.7 per cent rise.

RSPCA Chief Executive Gavin Grant said: ‘The RSPCA is leading the fight against a growing animal cruelty crisis. Our staff, volunteers and branches show tremendous dedication but they are struggling to keep up. 

“For us, prosecution is always the last resort. Our inspectors investigated 150,833 suspected cruelty cases and issued 78,090 advice notices last year - these are extremely effective in improving the care of animals.

“However if there is evidence of a crime and serious animal abuse then we will take legal action to protect the animals and prevent further abuse. We also want to see courts taking these offences far more seriously.