INSPECTORS from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) investigated 3,122 complaints alleging cruelty or neglect in the area last year.

Of these, 34 resulted in convictions and there were 95 verbal warnings and four adult written cautions.

These figures are revealed in the annual report of the RSPCA's Wirral and Chester branch, which covers Ellesmere Port & Neston.

The report also says there were 2,306 collections of animals, 1,688 rescues and 1,201 cases in which information was given to animal owners.

The branch operates an animal centre in Wallasey, a clinic in Birkenhead and a charity shop in Chester.

Last year, these facilities helped re-home 147 dogs (161 in 2005) plus 420 cats (245) and 89 miscellaneous animals (91).

The increase in the number of cats found new homes is due to the extension and refurbishment of the cattery at the animal centre and at Barra Boarding Kennels and Cattery in Saughall, whose facilities the branch uses.

The Birkenhead clinic had what the report describes as an 'extremely busy year' during which it treated more than 3,000 animals.

In 2006, 474 dogs, 1,050 cats and 25 rabbits were dealt with by the branch's welfare neutering schemes.

Ten volunteers help ensure the charity shop in Chester is open six days a week and consistently raises between £25,000 and £30,000 a year towards branch facilities and operations.