Channel 5 series sheds light on increase in animal abuse
A GRIPPING look into the vital work of the RSPCA is to be screened by Channel 5 in a powerful new documentary series.
The Dog Rescuers follows the charity’s inspectors as they save man’s best friend from an ever-increasing tide of neglect and cruelty by abusive owners and unscrupulous breeders.
In the 10-part series, cameras see inspectors track down and rescue some of the 150,000 animals abused in the UK every year.
Channel 5 was given access to a selected group of the RSPCA’s 350 inspectors across the country for four months.
Viewers will see inspectors investigating crimes of abuse against dogs and puppies in rural areas and inner cities, as poor living conditions, malnutrition, illegal mass-breeding and organised fights are uncovered. The series also has success stories as the RSPCA rehabilitates and eventually finds new homes for dogs.
Series producer David Sumnall said: “We are a nation of dog lovers but over 50 per cent of the RSPCA’s prosecutions last year were for cases involving abuse to dogs, so I think this is a really important series.
“We have been able to highlight the plight of these animals and show the work that is being done to rescue and rehome them. It has been tough to witness the neglect at times but to be there as the dogs and puppies are saved and to see them with their new families has made it worth it.”
The Dog Rescuers will be screened later in the year.