HARROWING stories of cruelty and torture inflicted on pets undermine Britain’s claim to be a nation of animal lovers.

Almost every week the Echo publishes stories which reveal examples of sickening treatment towards family pets.

We understand that this coverage can cause distress to some readers and we try to handle it as sensitively as possible.

Sometimes, however, such as in the case of today's piece by our reporter at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, we believe it is in the public interest to publish details and pictures that convey a sense of the pain that has been suffered by a defenceless animal.

Every year, the RSPCA investigates more than 30,000 cruelty cases involving cats, 15,000 relating to horses and ponies, yet “man’s best friend” is suffering worst with more than 80,000 complaints of incidents involving dogs.

The maximum sentence for the most extreme cases of animal cruelty in England and Wales is six months in prison, lower that most of Europe, America and Australia.

The Echo strongly supports Redcar MP Anna Turley, who is leading a campaign to see those who commit cruelty against animals punished with up to five years in jail. Her Bill, which is being debated in Parliament tomorrow, was inspired after appalling video footage of a family pet dog being hurled down the stairs and jumped on by Teessider Andrew Frankish caused national outrage when he avoided jail.

The issue should not only be of concern to animal lovers.

US research has shown abuse of pets is a key predictor of domestic violence against a partner, and about three-quarters of women going to domestic violence shelters said their partners also abused the family pet.

Where you tackle the abuse of animals there is a good chance that you also prevent the abuse of people.

It is time for tougher cruelty sentencing.