Region tops RSPCA's cruelty report (From The Northern Echo)

Region tops RSPCA's cruelty report

8:50am Wednesday 11th January 2012 in Animal Watch By Lauren Pyrah, Deputy Business Editor

THE North-East’s unenviable record on animal cruelty has been highlighted again by an RSPCA report.

Last year, the charity received more calls about abandoned animals in the North-East than anywhere else in the country, figures have revealed.

The number of calls about abandoned animals reached a five-year high nationally, with figures rising to 28,162 – a 30 per cent increase on 2007’s total of 21,481.

This week, several animals have been abandoned in the region, with the charity’s officers taking charge of a Persian cat, whose coat was so matted she will have to have surgery, a Shetland pony, who was abandoned in a graveyard, and a kitten in a carrier bag found dumped in a ditch.

The charity said the kitten would have died had it not been for its officers’ intervention.

The animals are being looked after at RSPCA Felledge, in Chester-le-Street.

“Although it is tempting to blame the economic situation, we have no real idea of why the number of abandonments is increasing."

RSPCA Inspector Tony Woodley

Also abandoned last year were two rabbits, left for dead on a railway line in South Hetton, Durham. The two females were found emaciated and covered in infected wounds. One was pregnant.

Both were put into the care of RSPCA Great Ayton.

In June, a male tabby cat was found crawling across a garden in Seaham, crying in pain, after being dumped. The cat was emaciated, with severe diarrhoea and was struggling to breathe. It is believed the cat, which was also suffering from a severe ear infection and dental disease, had been confined to a small space and was living in its own faeces. It was so poorly it had to be put down.

Last autumn, two pedigree dogs were found wandering in Coxhoe, County Durham. One of the female Shih-Tzus needed extensive treatment for a debilitating skin condition, while the other was so ill it had to be put down.

On a more positive note, calls about abandoned pets during December reached the lowest since 2008, with 1,997 calls received.

The charity reminded pet owners they have a responsibility to care for their animals and must be able to provide for them. It recommends pets are neutered and microchipped.

RSPCA Inspector Tony Woodley said: “Although it is tempting to blame the economic situation, we have no real idea of why the number of abandonments is increasing, but it is so frustrating to think that the messages about caring for animals just aren’t getting through to some people.

“People might think they are doing the right thing, leaving their pets where they think they will be found, or they may feel they have no other option.

“Whatever the reason, owners have a legal responsibility to seek help for their animal and if this means making a bit of an effort to find a good new home, or just waiting a few days until someone can take the animal in, this is what they must do.”

Call the RSPCA on 0300-123-4999.