By Joshua Robinson – 

The RSPCA has revealed that it has found new homes for more than 10,000 animals in the last decade in West Yorkshire, with the feat revealed to mark its 200th birthday in 2024.

As the RSPCA enters its landmark 200th anniversary year – the charity wants to inspire a one million strong movement for animals, as the charity aims to “create a better world for every animal”.

Today West Yorkshire is served by a team of RSPCA rescuers who save animals and investigate cruelty while also offering welfare advice and help to pet owners in need.

The county is also home to two independent RSPCA branches – RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District and RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield & District – who rehabilitate and rehome rescued animals – ranging from cats, dogs, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

The latest available figures show that in the ten years up until the end of 2022, these centres have found new homes for 10,318 animals. Additionally, they have helped pet owners in the county by providing:

• 13,866 neuters (to stop unwanted pregnancies and promote responsible ownership).
• 11,332 microchips – to help reunite lost pets with their owners.

Nationally the charity has rehomed 405,839 pets since 2013 due to its network of 140 branches and animal centres across England and Wales – which equates to 111 animals every day.

During that time 615,000 animals have been patients at the charity’s hospitals, with 1.7 million vet treatments being carried out.

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Animal neglect and abandonment are at a three-year high. In 2023, the RSPCA received 72,050 reports about animal abandonment and neglect, higher than in 2022, 2021, and 2020.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA Inspectorate Commissioner, said: “We have even more animals in need of help coming into our care – but at the same time rehoming has been declining sharply, meaning thousands fewer rescue pets are being adopted and our branches and centres are full to bursting.”

“We are also faced with increased bills and less donations due to the cost of living crisis which is one of the biggest challenges facing animal welfare right now – and this economic hardship is continuing into our 200th anniversary year.”

Dermot added: “But we are determined to rise to the challenge and help animals and pet owners who need us more than ever. That’s why we’re currently asking supporters to Join the Winter Rescue by donating to help our rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.”

“Animals are now facing bigger challenges than ever as a result of factory farming, climate change, war and a cost of living crisis. In our 200th year we want to inspire one million people to join our movement to improve animals’ lives.”

“We’ve been changing industries, laws, minds, and animals’ lives for 200 years. Together, there are actions, big and small, we can take to create a better world for every animal.”

To find out how to join the million-strong movement for animals, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/200

The charity is also asking supporters to Join the Winter Rescue and make a donation to help rescue teams. More information can be found on the RSPCA’s 200th anniversary webpage: https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/whoweare/history