 The puppy had its tailed docked without anaesthetic (Pic: RSPCA) |
A newborn puppy which had its tail docked without anaesthetic is just one of the animal cruelty cases highlighted in a report by the RSPCA in Lancashire. The 2006 review said that 69 incidents were reported in the county, one less than the previous year.
The number of convictions secured by the charity was down to 75 from 105 with a small increase in cautions.
The RSPCA said the new Animal Welfare Act had made an impact and allowed inspectors to intervene sooner.
Harsher penalties
Among the complaints investigated for the 2006 report was a newborn Doberman puppy in Rishton, Lancashire, that had its tail amputated without anaesthetic.
A 24-year-old woman and man aged 23 both pleaded guilty to not getting the puppy's tail docked by a registered vet.
RSPCA Inspector David Anforth said the operation had been "botched and illegal" and "even when carried out by a professional is a painful, unnecessary and unethical surgical operation."
The puppy has since been rehomed.
The Animal Welfare Act, described as a bill of rights for pets, came into force in April.
It made owners liable for the basic welfare of pets and introduced harsher penalties for offenders.
Lawyers said it was the most significant new animal welfare law for nearly a century.
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