Ten people were convicted of animal cruelty in Cambridgeshire last year, including a couple from Murrow that neglected a dog so badly it was put down to avoid prolonging its agony.

A 40-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman from Murrow were disqualified from keeping animals for five years after their six-year-old St Bernard, Benson, was found with a massive growth the size of a grapefruit hanging from his neck.

The growth was sore and bleeding, with ulcers all over it, and his suffering had reached such an extreme state the vet decided the kindest thing to do was put Benson to sleep to end his agony.

Benson had been taken to a vet six months before the RSPCA were contacted but the veterinary advice and Benson’s worsening physical condition were ignored.

The conditions may easily have been avoided or reduced by prescription medication from a vet.

The couple were also given 150 hours unpaid work, an 18 month supervision order, and made to pay £250 at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court in September 2013.

RSPCA superintendent Paul Stilgoe said: “The UK is known as a nation of animal lovers and yet once again we have seen some truly heartbreaking sights and animals suffering in horrific ways.

“It is really difficult to say what drives people to act in such utterly pointless cruel ways, and neglect their animals to such an extent.

“In some cases people just don’t know what an animal needs or financial circumstances can lead to difficulties, whilst others find organised cruelty, or deliberate violence towards an animal acceptable.

“We will always try to work with people and re-educate where possible, but there will always be some people who think it is alright to beat, kick, kill, starve or neglect an animal and times when the only way to stop them is to prosecute.”

The RSPCA is holding its annual fundraising and awareness drive this week.

To donate £3 using the charity’s campaign text line, text DONATE to 78866 (texts cost £3 plus standard network rate). Alternatively, you can donate by calling 0300 123 8181 or at www.rspca.org.uk/act

Donations can also be made via the RSPCA’s regular text line - text HELP to 82727 to give £3 (texts cost £3 plus standard network rate).