More than 100 incidents of cruelty to animals were recorded by police in Aberdeen city and shire over the last five years, according to new figures.
Statistics released by Police Scotland show that, since April 2013 there have been 50 recorded cases of animal cruelty in the city from areas such as Torry, Kincorth and George Street.
For Aberdeenshire there were 55 recorded incidents including ones from Inverurie, Huntly and Mearns.
Out of the 105 cases in the area, 74 involved the abuse of dogs.
But the area ranking highest over the five year period was Peterhead, Rattray and Cruden where there were 11 attacks on dogs alone.
Records also include the abuse of livestock and a handful of wild animals.
By comparison, there were 20 incidents recorded in Angus and 15 in Dundee.
Aberdeen South MP Ross Thomson slammed the “consistent” number of cases involving dogs.
He said: “I can’t understand why you would want to hurt a dog, when all they want is to reflect our kindness.
“But these figures reveal a consistent number of poor animals are being mistreated right across the city and surrounding area.
“It doesn’t matter where you live, the responsibility for your pet’s behaviour begins and ends with the owner.
“Being cruel to a dog can have serious ramifications for other animals and sometimes bystanders.”
Mr Thomson recently campaigned for Westminster to outlaw electric shock dog collars and for laws banning puppy dealing to be strengthened in Scotland.
