ONCE again doubt is cast on the myth that Britain is a nation of animal lovers.

The RSPCA has revealed that the number convicted of cruelty and neglect to animals has risen by almost a quarter – and West Yorkshire has been shown up as an animal cruelty hotspot with the charity investigating 216 reports of animal cruelty last year which led to 82 people being convicted of offences.

These were the worst figures for the north of England.

In one of the worst cases it was a member of the public who found a sunburned pony in a terrible condition in Wakefield and managed to rescue him.

People need to be the eyes and ears for the RSPCA. If you know of cruelty or suspect it then let the charity know.

They will investigate and have the powers to take wrongdoers to court and prosecute so justice is done and is seen to be done.