THE RSPCA has called on the Government to bring in new laws to curb animal cruelty after it released appalling photos of pet abuse.

Two cases in Worcestershire highlight the charity's concern - a spaniel-cross 60 per cent underweight, and an eight-month old whippet living in its own excrement in Kidderminster.

Phoenix the spaniel was rescued by RSPCA officers after she had been left to starve for about a month - she weighed less than 20lbs.

Phoenix's owner, Steven Taylor, aged 25, of Stanley Road, off Wyld's Lane, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering in June last year at Worcester Magistrates' Court.

He was banned from keeping animals for life, given a two- year conditional discharge, and fined £536, including costs.

In Kidderminster, Jake the whippet was living in a filthy run, littered with excrement, torn-up bedding and rubbish. His spine, pelvis and ribs protruded through his fur-less skin, and he could barely walk, said investigating officer Neil Tysall.

Owner Sacha Smith, aged 33, of Victoria Place, admitted causing unnecessary suffering. She was banned from keeping dogs for two years and told to complete a community rehabilitation order in July last year. The incidents reflected tens of thousands across the country uncovered by the RSPCA between June 2004 and May 2005.

National statistics revealed 68,732 pets' basic needs of water, food and shelter were not met - an increase of 78 per cent on the previous year.

RSPCA officers learned of about 19,352 incidents where animals were denied water.

Regional superintendent for the RSPCA Martyn Hubbard said: "The national statistics are truly shocking and we must ask the Government to take notice and act now.

"It's staggering that nearly 20,000 animals have not been getting access to water. What does this say about society if even the most basic need of a living creature is denied?"

The society wants the law to be changed so that when animals are being neglected, the owner has a legal responsibility to solve the problem. Currently, owners can ignore advice from the RSPCA.

In yesterday's Worcester News, we reported how neglected Jess the rottweiler, which was found trussed up in chains, but has now spent a year in RSPCA kennels, was resettled in a new home with a retired couple in Staffordshire.