NEW statistics from the RSPCA show that animal cruelty rose by a quarter in England in 2011.
An animal cruelty case in Houghton Regis was included as one of the worst examples in this week’s report by the animal welfare charity.
Three people described as puppy breeders were banned from keeping dogs for five years following a prosecution by the RSPCA at Luton Crown Court earlier this year.
Five dogs were found suffering at the Houghton Regis premises.
In total, there were 41 defendants reported to the RSPCA in Bedfordshire and of these 20 were convicted.