Warning: This post contains a photo that some people may find distressing. 

THE DSPCA HAS brought forward eight cases of alleged severe neglect of animals since the Animal Health and Welfare Act came into force earlier this year.

Another 10 dogs were surrendered by their owner after the DSPCA attempted to prosecute them under the new Act – which provides for a court order where a person is incapable of caring for their animals.

Chief Inspector of the DSPCA, Liam Kinsella, said, “The Animal Health and Welfare Act laws gives us powers to intervene in advance of potential welfare situations rather than waiting for problems to occur.”

The animal welfare charity says that in a further two cases it secured court warrants to seize dogs from two premises after the owners refused its request to remove the animals. The DSPCA says further prosecution is also under way for neglect in these two cases.

The DSPCA described the cases as ‘severe’ saying they involved “unacceptable levels of alleged neglect and deliberate cruelty”.

A dog that had to be put down soon after it was found by the DSPCA.

However, none of these cases have yet appeared in court. The charity says it “awaits the outcome of the courts in dealing with these matters” but it’s “mindful that the punishments laid out in the Act are more severe than previously”.

CEO of the DSPCA, Brian Gillen, said “The Animal Health and Welfare Act is truly a game changer in animal welfare,” adding:

People who abuse animals will see their behaviour result in prosecution and potentially severe penalties including a custodial sentence.

The charity says that an overwhelming number of instances continue to be reported to the DSPCA on a daily basis.

Read: Own a pet? Here are some tips for keeping them safe in bad weather>