It's hoped tougher penalties for animal abusers will help put a stop to a disturbing trend.

SPCA Canterbury expects animal welfare complaints to more than double this year, with the current 2014 tally sitting just above 800.

A 51-year old Christchurch man who almost killed a cat after beating it with a sharpened stick was jailed for 14 months yesterday.

The cat had to be put down later.

SPCA's Barry Helem says that should serve as strong warning to others.

"For me that's a very positive sign that there's a lower threshold of tolerance for animal cruelty and the court system's recognising that now and we're seeing tougher penalties."

Mr Helem hopes the custodial sentence will serve as a strong warning to others.

"In this particular case the animal was beaten in the early hours of the morning and then put in a rubbish tin and was still alive the next morning. So it is just particularly cruel and heartless."