THE RSPCA is calling for an overhaul of animal welfare legislation to stop animals in York and North Yorkshire suffering at the hands of their owners.

Shocking new figures reveal 10,100 animals in the North were at risk last year, including 4,065 dogs that were not looked after properly.

In North Yorkshire, more than 2,350 animals were collected, 165 were rescued and 29 owners were prosecuted.

The society wants a new Animal Welfare Bill to make it an offence for owners not to provide a basic level of care for their pets. Under current legislation an animal has to suffer before its owner can face prosecution.

In the North, 30,900 complaints were made to the RSPCA between June 2003 and May 2004, involving 112,617 animals.

Basic requirement such as food, water and access to veterinary care were found to be lacking in 3,825 homes and there are still 948 animals on the critical list.

North regional superintendent David Millard said "We often get calls from the public believing we haven't acted when they've contacted us.

"The sad reality is that, in many cases, we are powerless to do anything except give advice on how to improve the situation for the animal because the law only allows action when the animal is suffering.

"It is extremely frustrating when the advice isn't taken and we know that, further down the line, we may well be dealing with a case of suffering."

Last year, 293 cases in the North were prosecuted, including the owner of a pregnant pony discovered with a four-inch-deep tethering injury in Bridlington.

When the RSPCA found the pony, her neck collar was so tight it had eaten into her flesh and could not be seen.

Her owner was banned from keeping animals for life and fined £200 by magistrates.

Mr Millard said: "These figures show the widespread problem we face and that even the most basic needs for animals aren't being met by too many people.

"We are pleased that a lot of our advice is heeded, but there are still some who refuse to listen to common sense.

"These animals are of grave concern to us as they may well end up as future prosecution cases."

Updated: 10:37 Wednesday, July 28, 2004