MORE shocking cases of cruelty have been outlined by the RSPCA as part of its campaign to improve animal welfare.

While cruelty complaints investigated by the charity in 2014 fell year on year, as did the number of people convicted for animal cruelty, this region still fared poorly in comparison with the rest of the country.

County Durham had the second highest number in both categories with 3,505 complaints and 83 people convicted.

The RSPCA pointed out that while the number of convictions was comparatively small in relation to actual complaints, outcomes could also include words of advice being given or alternatively the finding of no evidence to take further action.

It highlighted what it called deliberate cruelty to animals from attacks and beating, as opposed to cruelty caused by neglect.

Cases tackled by the RSPCA in the region included

:: A fox that was mauled to death by dogs with those responsible videoing the attack

:: A dog with severe burns covering up to 40 per cent of its body – thought to have been caused by hot chip fat oil

:: A horror scene in which hundreds of animals at a farm in West Layton, North Yorkshire were left dead and dying because their owner was unable to feed them

A series of raids in Stockton and County Durham last year also resulted in a number of arrests in which people were suspected in being involved in illegal dog fighting.

The charity also highlighted the so-called Neknomination online craze in which several people took part in ‘dares’ involving swallowing live fish, frogs and even a lizard.

In April last year a 22-year-old man from Tyne and Wear was the first person to be prosecuted by the RSPCA for swallowing a goldfish in a glass of water and posting the footage on Facebook.

Gavin Hope, of Lauder Way, Gateshead, was fined £300 by magistrates and ordered to pay £431 costs.

RSPCA chief veterinary officer James Yeates said: “It is extremely concerning that we are still receiving more than 20,000 complaints about animals being deliberately caused to suffer and that’s 20,000 too many.

“Most of the complaints we receive involve animals being neglected or not receiving the right care and often we can put that right by offering welfare advice.

“However, it is shocking that in 2014 people are still being deliberately cruel in what can be disturbingly inventive ways.”

He added: “Where cruelty is still happening there will be a need to prosecute in the most serious cases and it is upsetting that so many people are still mistreating animals by deliberately causing them harm or by not providing them with the care they deserve.”