The RSPCA received more than 500 reports of cruelty to dogs in Surrey last year, according to new figures

Nationally, in 2023, the RSPCA received 52,662 reports about cruelty to dogs - around 144 a day - compared to 48,567 in 2022 - an increase of 8% in just one year.

The charity received 42,613 reports on cruelty to dogs in 2020, marking a 23% increase in just four years. In 2021, the number of reports was 44,479 - meaning the figures have been rising year-on-year.

The new figures have been released by the RSPCA as part of its No Animal Deserves Cruelty summer appeal.

“It is heartbreaking that more dogs need our help - we need to make a stand against this and say ‘no more’,” said Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the 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 Surrey, a tiny puppy with a cleft palate was ‘thrown from a car’ at just a few days old.

The tiny terrier puppy was found squealing in Burgoyne Road, Sunbury, in April by a passer-by who wrapped her up in their jacket, took her home. rushed and called the RSPCA as they believed the vulnerable puppy had been thrown out of a moving vehicle, and abandoned.

RSPCA Inspector Natalie Kitchin hand-reared the pup, who she named Puzzle.

She said: “Poor Puzzle was so tiny, weighing just 83g (2.9oz), and her eyes were still closed. We believe she’s only a few days old.

“Vets checked her over as she had a nasty cut on her head and some scuffs on her nose but thankfully she wasn’t seriously injured. Due to where she was found and her injuries, they believe she’d been thrown from a moving vehicle.

“It’s shocking to think that somebody could take her away from her mother just a few days after she was born and chuck her out of a car onto the road like a bit of rubbish.”

Very sadly, despite the best efforts of RSPCA frontline staff, Puzzle didn’t survive as she was so weak.

To donate to the RSPCA’s No Animal Deserves Cruelty summer appeal, go to rspca.org.uk/appeal.

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

Before contacting the RSPCA to make a report, be sure you have the following information to hand:

• Your name, address and telephone number
• The date, time and location/address of the incident - you can use what3words for a precise location
• A description of the animal's environment and body condition
• If known, the name and address of the person involved
• Names and addresses of any witnesses
• The registration number and description of any vehicle involved.

All reports made to the RSPCA are made in confidence.