ANIMAL cruelty has sadly increased in the UK in the past 12 months. Today, Whiplads profiles some of the most shocking incidents of animal cruelty in the past year.

Jess couldn't eat or drink after Serena Lloyd from Worcestershire tied her pet dog's legs and mouth together with chains.

She was banned for keeping animals for five years and ordered to complete 60 hours community service after pleading guilty to the cruel ill-treatment of Jess.

Passing sentence the magistrate said: "What you did was no less than wicked."

Unlike so many animal cruelty cases this one had a happy ending.

Jess made a full recovery and is now living with a loving family in the West Midlands.

How can you help stop this sort of cruelty happening ? click here