THE RSPCA investigated more than 2,000 complaints of animal cruelty in Lancashire last year according to statistics released today.

The figures also show that 44 convictions were made in 2001 as a result of 34 prosecutions -- the highest in the North West.

That number is down from 118 convictions in 2000 from 38 prosecutions. That year, the RSPCA investigated 3,157 complaints of cruelty.

The total figure for convictions for cruelty last year in the North West was 237 -- 68 less than than in 2000. But although the number has dropped, the society said it was still too high.

As the North West statistics were launched today, Kay Brandists, regional manager for the RSPCA, said: "The vast majority of cases could so easily have been avoided.

"We must try to make the public aware of the basic needs of animals and the long-term commitment owners are required to give them.

"The 237 convictions we obtained in the North West last year are 237 too many."

Of all the cruelty cases which led to a prosecution, 89 per cent were classed as basic neglect charges.

The charity is now calling on the Government to adopt its vision for animal welfare in the 21st Century and wants the introduction of a five-step 'duty of care' to help reduce suffering.

The duty of care would ensure all animal owners would have a legal responsibility to make sure that animal owners would have a legal responsibility to make sure that animals have adequate food and water, appropriate shelter and access to veterinary treatment. Animal owners would also be required to provide proper room for them to express normal behaviour and to avoid mental suffering and distress.

To highlight the figures, the RSPCA has produced a TV advert including footage of some of the neglect cases last year.

One of these is the case of a breeder and dog show judge who was allowed to keep dogs -- despite a conviction of causing unnecessary suffering.

When RSPCA inspectors Sarah Hill and Kath Mayberry visited Jennifer Williams' home in Bamber Bridge, on the edge of East Lancashire, they discovered Welsh and West Highland terriers living in squalid conditions in three outbuildings. The buildings were filthy, with inspector Hill describing the smell of excrement as 'overpowering.'

Inside the house, five puppies were found confined to a pen with no food and water.

A total of 28 dogs were seized and Williams was fined £250 and ordered to pay £500 costs after pleading guilty to seven offences of causing necessary suffering by neglect at Leyland Magistrates last October.

The number of prosecutions in Lancashire were the highest in the North West. South Manchester had 23 prosecutions in its area while Cumbria had just six.