The RSPCA says tougher animal welfare legislation is still needed

The cruelty statistics for 2003 revealed that there were also fewer prosecutions and fewer rescues.

The RSPCA brought 11 prosecutions, compared with 17 in 2002. There were also 31 fewer animal rescues and collections went down by nearly 800.

The number of phone calls to the RSPCA went down by almost 30,000 across the South West.

But while the charity said the figures were good news, inspectors said it also highlighted the need for tougher animal welfare legislation.

The organisation said it was pleased that the message appeared to be getting through, but said there were still too many people who refused to listen.