Figures have revealed a rise in animal cruelty cases across England and Wales, with the situation in Lancashire proving particularly concerning.

The data, shared by RSPCA, shows that incidents have increased by more than two per cent compared to the same period last year, with a total of 44,879 reports recorded so far in 2024.

RSPCA welfare oversight team head, Karen Colman, said: "Sadly, animal cruelty reports are on the rise this year - and in Lancashire alone, we’ve seen 1,473 animal cruelty reports already this year.

"Reports of international harm towards animals and beatings also rose sharply across the country last summer - so we’re preparing for a difficult period ahead."

Summer continues to be the busiest period for the charity.

The previous season saw a shocking 11 per cent increase in intentional harm towards animals, while reports of beatings soared by 17 per cent.

In response to this, the RSPCA has launched its ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ summer appeal, aiming to raise funds and awareness as the charity braces for another tough summer.

One particularly harrowing incident occurred in Lancashire, where a bulldog suffering from a painful condition was left tied to a tree.

Despite an ongoing investigation, the person responsible has not been found.

Loki the puppy was previously abused and was suffering from multiple fractures before being rehomed.

Inspector Zoe Ballard, who rescued Loki, said: "Our job isn’t easy, as you can probably imagine but this is the reason we do what we do."

Ms Colman added: "Summer is a really challenging time for us - and we’re braced for another busy season on the frontline, but we cannot do this alone.

"That’s why our ‘No Animal Deserves Cruelty’ summer appeal seeks to tackle the rising levels of cruelty by raising vital funds to help those animals in desperate need - because every animal deserves kindness."