A Scottish animal charity has called for more consistent sentencing for animal abusers.
Hamsters, horses, chickens, hedgehogs, ducks, pigeons and fish were among the creatures targeted in Tayside and Fife.
A total of 60 reports of animal cruelty were made to police across the four council areas between 2014 and 2016, with Fife having a higher number than Dundee, Angus and Perthshire taken together.
In Fife, there were 55 reports made in a three year period, compared to just five in Dundee, Angus and Perthshire.
Linda Quinn, who works for Angus Cat Rescue and heads the Missing Pets Dundee and Angus animal group, said the real figure was likely to be much higher due to under-reporting.
She added: “The figures are definitely higher, much of it takes place behind closed doors and even when it’s reported it’s not always taken as seriously as it should.
“I’ll never forget when I was called out to assist with a cat that had been thrown out of a car window on Clepington Road a few years ago.
“Nothing was done about that. And just recently, a cat was killed by two dogs off the leash and nothing was done about that either.
“I will never understand the mindset of people who are cruel to animals.”
Dogs were most likely to become victims of animal cruelty, followed by cattle.
The Scottish SPCA reported 74 successful prosecutions across the country as a result of its investigations in 2016.
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “While we welcome the recent increase in the number of people being banned from keeping animals, the sentences handed out are often hugely inconsistent.
“We believe that sentences should act as a deterrent to potential criminals and we are seeking more consistent penalties.
“The incidents attended by our inspectors and animal rescue officers, which included investigations, rescues and abandonments, rose to over 85,000 last year and the strain on our resources has never been greater.
“One of the reasons we are uncovering an increasing amount of abuse and neglect may be because more people know who we are and are calling our helpline.”
“If you are aware of animal cruelty occurring in your local area do not tolerate this, please report it to police via 101, or contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.”
Police Scotland said preventing animal cruelty was a key priority for its officers.
A police spokeswoman said: “The tackling and preventing of animal related criminality is key priority for Police Scotland and one that our officers are dedicated to combating.
“We have wildlife crime officers based in every division and local officers routinely work with colleagues from the Scottish SPCA to ensure that pets are being cared for to the highest standard.”
