An animal rescue charity has recorded its busiest ever year in its 175-year history.
The Scottish SPCA received more than a quarter of a million calls in 2013, resulting in at least one person being banned from keeping pets every week.
The organisation, based in Dunfermline, also helped rehabilitate and rehome thousands of domestic and wild animals.
Figures show calls to the Scottish SPCA helpline leapt to 228,143 17% more than in 2012.
Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn revealed that the majority came from concerned members of the public reporting suspected neglect and mistreatment, alerting officers to animals in danger and those interested in rehoming.
He added: “In 2013 our investigations increased from 17,373 to 20,111. We found new homes for 6,563 pets and we were able to rehabilitate and release 2,939 wild animals.
“These were all records in what was our busiest ever year.”
The charity had to deal with a number of high-profile animal cruelty cases in 2013, which also went through the court system.
They included a Stirling puppy dealer who mistreated 57 dogs and was jailed for eight months; a Larkhall man who was banned from owning animals for six years after breaking his dog’s leg by throwing her down the stairs; and a Perthshire farmer who was given a lifetime ban for neglecting his herd of 1,000 sheep and cattle.
Mr Flynn said: “We can’t be certain if cruelty is increasing as more people are aware of how we can help animals, which means we are possibly uncovering cases which may not have been reported in previous years.
“However, we know our inspectors were faced with a catalogue of neglect and abuse.”
Anyone who is aware of an animal in danger or distress can call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.