ANIMAL cruelty cases rose dramatically across Fenland and the rest of Cambridgeshire last year. Latest figures show a staggering 141 per cent increase in the number of offenders convicted. The figures, which also show the number of cases reported to the

ANIMAL cruelty cases rose dramatically across Fenland and the rest of Cambridgeshire last year. Latest figures show a staggering 141 per cent increase in the number of offenders convicted.

The figures, which also show the number of cases reported to the RSPCA have risen by 86 per cent to 71 cases, are among the highest increases anywhere in the country.

Besides the increase in convicted defendants rising from 17 to 41, the RSCPA said last year they issued 17 cautions against 11 in 2004.

The charity said incidents it had dealt with over the past year were the worst ever seen by inspectors.

RSPCA east regional manager John Atter said: "2005 will go down as one of the most violent towards animals. Sadly, despite our best efforts, there are those who continue to ignore our messages and treat animals with brute force instead of compassion."

He added: "On a more positive note, it is heartening to see how many of these cruelty victims enjoy new and happy lives once they are re-homed by our staff."

The Eastern region, which includes Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, received more than 22,000 complaints of cruelty in 2005, up from just over 21,000 the previous year.

The total number of visits made by inspectors also rose sharply, although the number of animal rescues dropped by about 8,000.

Mr Atter said the majority of cases dealt with by the charity involved dogs, with many of these related to pets not having access to fresh drinking water.