In Devon there has been an increase in both the number of cruelty cases reported and the number of people being convicted.

In 2006, 50 people were reported to be mistreating animals across West, Mid, South and North Devon - compared to 45 back in 2005.

But Cornwall appears to be bucking the national trend, with a reduction in the number of cruelty cases reported.

There have also been fewer convictions for cruelty offences.