The RSPCA has found new homes for more than 3,000 animals in Northumberland over the past decade.

The rehoming feat has been revealed to mark its 200th anniversary year.

The charity was born in a coffee shop in 1824 London by compassionate founders, launched as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Their vision led to an international animal welfare movement, which the charity aims to expand further to a million-strong movement to "create a better world for every animal".

Two Northumberland based, independent RSPCA branches, Northumberland West and Newcastle, and North Northumberland, work tirelessly to rescue and rehome a wide variety of animals.

Having provided new homes for a whopping 3,285 animals by the end of 2022, their dedicated staff and volunteers have also supported local pet owners by providing 1,680 neuters and 1,594 microchips.

The charity has rehomed 405,839 pets nationally since 2013 , and animal neglect and abandonment are unfortunately on the rise, with the charity receiving 72,050 reports in 2023 - a three year high.

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."

Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful, adding: "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.

"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.”

Visit www.rspca.org.uk/200.