SOCIAL media and video evidence has played a central role in bringing animal abusers to justice, an animal welfare charity has revealed.

Animal cruelty prosecutions in Wales have hit a five-year high according to figures released by RSPCA Cymru.

In 2018, there were 164 convictions secured by the RSPCA in magistrates’ courts across Wales with an RSPCA superintendent describing cases as “shocking, disturbing and upsetting” that were helped in court after numerous offenders were caught in the act on CCTV cameras - or openly filming themselves harming animals.

Conwy saw an increase in cases regarding animal cruelty from 385 in 2017 to 450 in 208, while Denbighshire saw a rise from 370 to 426. Powys saw an increase from 493 to 625.

Flintshire saw an increase in cases regarding animal cruelty from 515 in 2017 to 545 in 2018 whilst Wrexham saw a rise from 426 to 450.

However, the cases of animal cruelty went down in Gwynedd, from 475 to 430, and on Anglesey, 294 to 259.

Video above: Two men filmed tossing cat 'like a rugby ball' in Rhyl

Supt Martyn Hubbard said: “In 2018, our inspectorate dealt with some unimaginable cruelty - with some truly shocking, disturbing and upsetting cases captured on camera.

“These new statistics show a five-year high for RSPCA prosecution activity in Wales - with some of the deliberate, horrifying cruelty, and mindless acts of abuse, dealt with by our dedicated officers frankly unbelievable.

“Nevertheless, prosecution is generally a last resort for the RSPCA - the vast majority of RSPCA work is improving animal welfare by giving advice to owners. In 2018 the number of animal owners who were offered and accepted welfare advice numbered 5,940.

“Put simply, there is no excuse for animal cruelty and RSPCA Cymru will continue to ensure animal welfare laws are adhered to in all corners of the country.”

The animal welfare charity shared a variety of cases from across the country that show these crucial pieces of video evidence that have brought about several successful prosecutions, including two Rhyl men who filmed themselves tossing a cat like a rugby ball that was posted on social media.

Superintendent Hubbard thanked the members of public for being the eyes and ears of the charity reporting animal suffering in communities across Wales.

He added: “Without them [the public], and the evidence they provide, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

To contact the RSPCA with any animal welfare concerns, if you have witnessed cruelty or find an injured or animal in distress please call 0300 1234 999 in confidence.