THE number of people in Dorset convicted for cruelty against animals has fallen.

The RSPCA has released new figures revealing a decline between 2014 and 2015. Despite figures rising in other areas of the South West, the number of convictions in Dorset fell from seven in 2014 to six in 2015.

The number of rescues and collections also fell from 2,194 in 2014 to 1,902 in 2015.

Despite the decline, the RSPCA has revealed the severity of the cases it has been called to investigate.

One dog from Dorset, named Happy, was left in such a bad state that his eye couldn't be saved.

The shih tzu was found wandering loose on a road by a member of the public and was taken to a nearby veterinary surgery. He had horrifically matted fur and an untreated, prolapsed eyeball, leaving him blind.

His eye could not be saved and his coat had to be shaved off.

The RSPCA investigated the chronic neglect of the 11-year-old dog, who was put into foster care with a member of staff. Happy's former owner, a 56-year-old woman from Sopley, Hampshir, was prosecuted by the RSPCA at East Dorset Magistrates’ Court in Bournemouth.

She was and ordered to pay a £620 fine and £300 in costs. Happy was also removed from her care and adopted by her foster family.

Inspector Patrick Bailey, who investigated this case, said: "There is no excuse for anyone to allow their pet to get into such a state, or to suffer as he has. Although Happy lost his sight completely, he has now gone on to a better life with a family who love him and care for him properly."

In 2015, there were more than 12,000 investigations in the South West into cruelty towards dogs, whilst 5,730 investigations related to cats.

In Dorset, 918 complaints involving dogs were looked into last year. There were 493 complaints linked to cats.

Meanwhile, the number of owners who were offered and accepted animal welfare advice has shown an increase. In 2007, around 78,000 people accepted animal welfare advice. This figure jumped to 81,475 last year.