The RSPCA has reported receiving 491 dog cruelty reports in Wiltshire during 2023.

Nationally, the charity reported an increase in complaints, with 52,662 instances in 2023, compared to 48,567 in 2022, a rise of eight per cent.

The figures also reveal there was a 23 per cent increase from 2020's figure of 42,613 cases, indicating a consistent rise over the years.

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: "It is heart-breaking that more dogs need our help - we need to make a stand against this and say ‘no more’.

"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."

A particular case brought to the attention of the RSPCA in Yorkshire involved a chihuahua named Dolly.

It was discovered that Dolly had suffered significant injuries, including a broken rib, a fractured vertebrae, and a dislocated tail.

She also had skull injuries, and her dew claws had been violently removed. Other injuries included extensive bruising to her lips and muzzle area, as well as having blood in her bladder.

Upon examination, Dolly's injuries pointed to deliberate harm rather than an accident.

After observing Dolly's behaviour around her previous owner, who claimed the injuries were accidental, the vet contacted the RSPCA.

The matter was investigated, and Dolly's previous owner was banned from keeping animals after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering.

Dolly has since been rehomed with a new owner, Miss Lucy Green, who works as an RSPCA inspector.

Ms Green 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."