RSPCA in plea over dumped animals

Apr 28 2008 by Ben Guy, The Journal

MORE and more animals are being abandoned by their owners in the region, new figures have shown.

The number of unwanted pets discarded during 2007 leapt by 10% compared to the previous year, the RSPCA revealed.

From kittens dumped in a suitcase, rabbits left by the side of the road and dogs left by the motorway, the charity says its figures show the number of animals being discarded is on the rise.

Last night there were calls for stiffer penalties to be imposed on owners who dump their animals after it emerged the worrying trend is continuing this year.

David Millard, RSPCA North regional superintendent, said: “Sadly we noticed a rise in the number of animals we rescued last year. It is an offence to abandon any animal and there is never any excuse for doing so.

“If people have pets they cannot care for, for any reason, then help and advice is always available from the RSPCA.”

The 10% rise saw the number of animals abandoned in the region increase from 1,824 in 2006 to 2,009 last year. Nationally there was an increase of 23%.

In total, more than 30,000 animals were rescued in the region, including those who had suffered cruelty, been injured on the roads and been dumped.

Mr Millard added: “The RSPCA rescues thousands of animals every year from a wide range of distressing situations and 2007 was no exception.

“Last summer we also deployed the biggest number of RSPCA staff for a generation to the rescue of farm animals, horses and other much-loved pets from the severe floods that swept the country.

“During RSPCA Week we want people to spare a thought for the many thousands of animals needing the RSPCA’s help each year and in particular for anyone thinking about getting a pet to consider the responsibility they are taking on before doing so.”

Just four months into 2008, the society has already rescued 699 abandoned animals across the North region.

In February The Journal reported how two lurcher-type dogs with their jaws bound, were found in weighted sacks in the River Tyne at Ryton, Gateshead in what one officer described as the worst he had seen in 20 years.

The figures have been released to coincide with RSPCA week, which starts today. Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.

But Leyla Rutter, chief executive at the Benton Dog and Cat Shelter, said that people who were guilty of abandoning animals rarely got stiff enough penalties.

She said that to bring the number of dumped animals down harsher penalties needed to be handed out.

She said: “Very few people get anywhere near the maximum amount.

“It would appear that it is not really treated as a major enough issue – there have been bigger fines for people dumping rubbish than for hurting or dumping an animal.

“It is not treated seriously enough, and stiffer punishments would be more of a deterrent.”