A "THROWAWAY" attitude to animals has been blamed for the increase in cruelty across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

More than 3,400 cruelty complaints were investigated by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) last year - a rise of two per cent.

The charity carried out 469 rescues, compared to less than 300 in 1999, and inspectors collected more than 4,000 animals.

New research into animal abuse has shown the key to reducing these high figures is education.

The charity linked up with Manchester Metropolitan University to find out why the figures continue to soar.

The results, which are published today, show the main reasons for deliberate animal cruelty were retaliation, for fun, and to experiment.

Peer pressure and the influence of adult behaviour on young people were also identified as significant factors.

"Too many people today have a throwaway attitude to animals and show a callous disregard for their welfare," said Stephen Mulholland, manager of the West Central region, which covers Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"Every day our staff are picking up the pieces after people who take on animals decide they no longer want them, or fail to care for them properly, then stand by and watch them suffer.

"The responsibility rests with us all to try to prevent animal cruelty."

Last year the RSPCA convicted 12 people of animal cruelty in the two counties. There were also nine written cautions.

Across the country nearly 800 people were banned from keeping animals and there were 57 prison and suspended sentences imposed.

The research has shown animal abuse is mostly carried out by men, and that it is also seen as part of growing up.

"This study provides the RSPCA with an even better insight into what drives people to abuse animals," said Mr Mulholland.

"Education is, as we have always believed, the key to preventing cruelty.

"The RSPCA is launching a new educational resource, which can be incorporated into the national curriculum, and is aimed as encouraging young people to empathise with animals."

6 Opinion P10