THE dedication and life-saving work of a Wirral-based RSPCA Inspector is to be highlighted once again on national television.

Anthony Joynes, who works across Merseyside to crackdown on animal cruelty, will star in the new series of The Dog Rescuers.

The Channel 5 programme follows inspectors in a country-wide crusade to stop cruelty and neglect to man’s best friend.

With heart-wrenching rescues, heart-warming re-homings and amazing tales of dogs overcoming adversity, the 12-part series is sure to have you reaching for the tissue box.

The show – hosted by Alan Davies – has followed Anthony’s pursuits in the past, this time a Christmas special will document his fights to get the result he wants from Birkenhead Magistrates Court.

Anthony, who won a top award in 2013 for his tenacity and dedication to investigating animal cruelty, will also feature in a number of other episodes, which feature cases well-documented in the Globe.

With more 1.3m reports of cruelty and mistreatment of animals made to the RSPCA every year, the charity is under increasing pressure to safeguard our nation’s pets from the constant threat of abusive owners and unscrupulous breeders.

Anthony said: “One thing which is clear is that these animals could never be rescued or their abusers brought to justice without the general public who will not stand for animal cruelty and report it to us.

“For me and the other officers, not only involved in the series but just out there rescuing animals and investigating cruelty day in and day out, we feel it is important for people to realise just what we have to deal with on a daily basis.

“Many situations I can hand on heart tell you haunt us for years to come. It’s not a 9-to-5 job, it’s a way of life.

“But there is no feeling for me that will rival breaking into a house to rescue a neglected animal, bringing the person responsible to court and then seeing that animal happy, fully recovered and enjoying its second chance in its new home."

The show will be broadcast  next Tuesday  December 15, from  8pm to  9pm, on Channel 5.