Beethoven
Beethoven, one of the miraculously survived animals after five other animals died due to malnutrition in the same house. RSPCA

A dog was repeatedly stabbed with a potato peeler and a blind kitten was found dumped in a carrier bag are some of the examples of growing animal cruelties in Britain in the past one year, according to a report.

The animal cruelty and neglect conviction went up nearly by a quarter in England and Wales during 2011, said a report released by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) on Tuesday.

The charity is also cautioning of a crisis that its resources are being stretched to a breaking point due the increase in such numbers.

"The RSPCA faces a crisis that is stretching us to a breaking point. We show zero tolerance to animal abusers. Anyone causing animals pain for profit or pleasure will be tracked down and prosecuted," said the RSPCA's chief executive Gavin Grant.

The report also showed an increase in prison sentences for animal cruelty and instances of bans on keeping the animals.

"We need courts and councils, police and people who care to join us in standing up and getting justice for Britain's abused animals," Grant added.

Below are some of the shocking figures for 2011 according to RSPCA.

  • 23.5 percent rise in the number of people convicted for cruelty and neglect (1,341).
  • 22 percent rise in the convictions relating to cruelty to dogs (2,105).
  • 21 percent increase in disqualifications imposed by courts (1,100).
  • 27 percent rise in prison sentences imposed by courts (74).
  • 9.3 percent increase in the numbers of people reported the prosecution team (3,036).
  • 13 percent rise in the number of phone calls received by the RSPCA (1,314,795).

The society says the cases involving farm animals and equines also rose in 2011

RSPCA is struggling to keep up with the growing demands of keeping abandoned animals.

"The RSPCA strives to keep animals with their owners wherever possible and offers advice on improving their welfare," said the RSPCA prosecutions' head, Sally Case.

"Overwhelmingly this advice is followed, but where it isn't, or where someone has already harmed an animal, there has to be a way of ensuring that animals are not left to suffer," Case added.

The statistics are being published as part of RSPCA Week 2012, their major fundraising push which is from 30 April to 6 May.