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Criminal convictions for animal neglect and cruelty have more than trebled in parts of Wales as the RSPCA warns of a growing crisis.

Across Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr convictions rose from 23 in 2011 to 76 in 2012, while they went up from 19 to 59 in north east Wales.

Elsewhere, a man from Pembroke Dock was jailed for nearly five months after the death of his dog and iguana.

The charity said total convictions across Wales were up 4% to nearly 250.

The RSPCA said there was also a 20% rise in reported cases of cruelty, up from 146 to 174, and a 20% increase in the numbers of cautions issued to pet owners.

The charity's Welsh director Steve Carter said: "Some areas in Wales have seen a disturbing increase in cruelty cases and this is a major cause of concern for us.

"The RSPCA is leading the fight against a growing animal cruelty crisis. Our staff, volunteers and branches show tremendous dedication but they are struggling to keep up.

"For us, prosecution is always the last resort. However, last year inspectors investigated 174 suspected cruelty cases and secured 248 convictions.

"Where there is evidence of a crime and serious animal abuse then we will take legal action to protect the animals and prevent further abuse. We also want to see courts taking these offences far more seriously."

The charity found a steep rise in animal cruelty convictions from 2011 to 2012:

Across England and Wales, convictions for animal neglect and cruelty in cases brought by the RSPCA rose by a third last year.

Last year the RSPCA said those convicted of animal cruelty in Wales had increased by more than a third in 2011, while those convicted of the same crime in Wales and England rose by nearly a quarter.

The charity said at the time it was facing a funding crisis as a result of having to deal with so many cases, and its resources were being stretched.