MORE than 13,500 unwanted, abandoned or ill-treated animals were found new homes in 2002 by RSPCA branches throughout Yorkshire and the north-east, according to figures from the charity.

It says the figure is the equivalent of 37 animals being placed in a new home each day in the region.

Also in the region, the RSPCA's biggest geographically, with 24 branches, a total of 23,019 animals were given veterinary treatment, up six per cent on the previous year.

The figures for York and District were 851 animals given veterinary treatment, 1,302 rehomed, and 1,193 microchipped.

In Harrogate the corresponding figures were 16, 74, and 345; in Goole and District they were 161, 45 and 137; in Bridlington they were 44, 327 and 339; and in Scarborough they were 637, 358 and 389.

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

Updated: 08:59 Friday, May 30, 2003