The body of a German Shephard puppy was found dumped in a plastic bag on a field in St Albans - one of a number of tragic incidents as dog cruelty rises in Hertfordshire.

The puppy was found at the junction of Hammonds Lane and Coleman Green Lane.

It was examined by a vet, who determined that the puppy was around 12 to 14 weeks old.

He had no external injuries but was emaciated and had signs of a gastric illness.

New figures from the RSPCA have revealed that 670 reports of cruelty against dogs were received in Hertfordshire last year.

Nationally, 52,622 reports were received - an increase of eight per cent from 2022.

The RSPCA's chief executive Chris Sherwood said: "It is heart-breaking that more dogs need our help - we need to make a stand against this and say ‘no more'.

“Dogs are supposed to be man’s best friend, yet more and more dogs are being subjected to cruelty every year.

"They are the most popular pet in the UK yet also the ones who potentially suffer the most."

The charity has launched its summer appeal, under the name 'No Animal Deserves Cruelty'.

You can donate to the appeal by visiting https://www.rspca.org.uk/summercruelty.

If you suspect an animal is being cruelly treated, you can find out how to report this on the RSPCA’s website.

Before contacting the RSPCA to make a report, be sure you have the following information to hand:

  • Your name, address and telephone number
  • The date, time and location/address of the incident - you can use what3words for a precise location
  • A description of the animal's environment and body condition
  • If known, the name and address of the person involved
  • Names and addresses of any witnesses
  • The registration number and description of any vehicle involved.
  • All reports made to the RSPCA are made in confidence.