Late last week a High Littleton farmer was sentenced following an appalling piece of animal cruelty when he dragged his beautiful Husky dog behind his car tied to the vehicle by a rope. He had later, in a case described by one officer as haunting her forever, refused to tell the police where she was in the farm as she lay traumatized and horribly injured. She was so badly hurt and left so long without treatment that Daisy had to be put down.

Sadly - she is not alone.

New figures from the RSPCA reveal that dog welfare reports have reached a three-year peak in Somerset with nearly 900 reports in 2023 so far.

This comes as the charity urges kind animal lovers to support their vital animal rescue work by entering into the Omaze Somerset House Draw - with a chance to win the stunning house in the North East of the county as well as directly supporting the charity's frontline work. The RSPCA will get a minimum guaranteed donation of £1 million to help animals.

There were 1,889 animal welfare incidents reported in Somerset this year and of these 900 were concerning dogs. 

From 2020 to 2023, there was also a 6.5% increase in the number of dog welfare complaints made in the county - the highest of any other animal. 

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: "We need your help now more than ever as shocking figures show that dog welfare reports have hit a three-year peak in Somerset. Nationally, we've also seen neglect and abandonment reports reach a three-year high which is also incredibly concerning. The combined effects of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis has created a perfect storm - and means we expect more animals than ever will need our help this year.

"Behind these statistics are thousands of vulnerable animals just like these five huskies we rescued from a life of neglect."

A terrible case - with a happy Christmas ending

Three adult dogs and two puppies were kept in a hallway with a single cage, with no access to bedding, water or food. The property smelled strongly of stale urine and sadly, two of the adult dogs, Rex and Susie, were also noticeably thin.

The two puppies, Bella and Annie, were very subdued and tests later revealed that they, along with Rex and Rosie, had suffered permanent kidney damage from a lack of water.

Following an investigation by the RSPCA*, Rex and Susie came into the care of the RSPCA Brent Knoll Branch while Rosie and her two puppies went into the care of RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre near Taunton. All the dogs were rehabilitated before being rehomed and will now be spending their first Christmas being spoiled in their loving forever homes.

One of the Huskies today : Photo RSPCA

Dermot added: "It's so heartening to see stories like these where the lives of these dogs have been completely transformed. But sadly we know that as many of us prepare for a cosy Christmas with our loved ones and our much-loved pets, there are sadly thousands of animals facing a bleaker reality. The RSPCA needs your help more than ever to help animals because neglect and abandonment are reaching a three-year high this festive season.

"Abandonments have soared and many rescue centres are full to bursting. Right now, thousands of animals are facing pain and misery. But by buying a ticket to be in with a chance of winning the fantastic Omaze house, you can help the RSPCA transform countless animals' lives this Christmas just like Rex, Susie, Rosie, Annie and Bella."