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Nearly 1,000 reports of animal cruelty in North Yorkshire this year

There have been 946 cases of animal cruelty in North Yorkshire in 2024.

There has been almost 1,000 cases of animal abuse in North Yorkshire this year, according to the RSPCA.

Figures have revealed 946 cases of animal cruelty in the county in 2024 - and reports are on the rise.

The RSPCA received a report every five minutes during its busiest summer months and its officers are now braced for another busy period.

Karen Colman, who heads up the RSPCA welfare oversight team, said: 

“Sadly, animal cruelty reports are on the rise this year - and in the Yorkshire counties alone, we’ve seen 5,137 animal cruelty reports already this year.

“Reports of international harm towards animals and beatings also rose sharply across the country last summer - so we’re preparing for a difficult period ahead.

“But rescuing animals from cruelty, investigating harm caused to them, and acting to prevent animal abuse, is a job no other charity does.

"We’ll always be here to pick up the pieces and show those animals the kindness and care they deserve.”

New figures, exclusively released today (17th July) by the RSPCA, show there have been 5,137 cruelty reports towards animals in Yorkshire so far this year.

The county figures are:

  • East Yorkshire - 619
  • North Yorkshire - 946
  • South Yorkshire - 1,349
  • West Yorkshire - 2,223

RSPCA inspector Zoe Ballard said:

“No animal deserves heartbreaking abuse. Animals are like us: they feel desperation, confusion and terror. They feel every punch, every broken bone and every burn.  

“That’s why as we mark our 200th birthday, we’ve launched this summer cruelty appeal.

“Together, we must stand against cruelty and continue to be there for the animals who desperately need our help now. 

“To rescue them from harm and give them the lives they deserve – free from terror and torment and full of care and kindness.”

More information on the RSPCA’s No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal can be found on the charity's website.

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