ALMOST 500 unwanted, abandoned or ill-treated dogs were found loving new homes in York last year, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

The animal society released figures for the numbers of animals in its care last year to coincide with its annual fundraising week, which runs from today until Sunday.

The figures show that 498 dogs were re-homed in York, along with 467 cats and 176 other animals.

The York home also micro-chipped 515 dogs and 481 cats, and neutered 673 cats and 373 dogs.

The 47 RSPCA branches across the North of England spend an average of £200 on each animal in their care, providing shelter and treatment before finding new homes for them.

Last year, 21,600 animals in the region were re-homed.

Alan Wolinski, RSCPA regional manager for the North, said: "The release of these figures just goes to show how hard the RSPCA works in this region to promote animal welfare.

"These figures are staggering, especially when you consider that the majority of these branches are made up only of volunteers, people who year after year invest time and effort in helping animals.

"Without them, the RSPCA would not be able to offer the vital service it does."

Updated: 11:17 Monday, April 26, 2004