We believe that education is the best means of preventing animal cruelty

John Rose RSPCA

But the Manchester study found that bad attitudes towards animals are widespread.

John Rose, of the RSPCA, said more than half of the young people surveyed had first-hand knowledge of harming animals.

"We found it quite shocking that in our view it was deeply-rooted in society.

Common victims

"A lot of things were quite shocking - they included shooting cats, strangling ducks, kicking cats, tying fireworks to cats tails, blowing up frogs and toads."

Cats and dogs were the most common victims of cruelty in the survey with boys more likely than girls to be the culprits.

Animal cruelty

Shooting cats Strangling ducks Kicking cats Tying fireworks to cats tails Blowing up frogs and toads

Mr Rose added: "The main reasons seemed to be retaliation and fun although the survey showed peer pressure was quite significant.

"Animal abuse was regarded as normal by some respondents.

"We believe that education is the best means of preventing animal cruelty."

Mr Rose said young people had to learn about animals needs and develop empathy.

According to the RSPCA's latest figures, it received 1.6 million call for help in 2000 and rescued 193, 280 animals.

The number of people prosecuted for cruelty jumped by 10% to 820 in 2000, with prosecution costs rising to �2.1m from �1.8m in 1999.