Animal welfare concern reports soar by 175% in a year
Animal welfare concern reports have soared by almost 175% in a year, a charity has said.
The USPCA said it received 327 reports between April and September 2026, up from the 119 it received in the same period in 2025.
This comprised 200 animal welfare reports, compared with 75 in April–September 2025, and 127 additional reports from investigative activity.
Of the 200, most (92) were around neglect, 32 suspected malnourishment and 24 alleged mistreatments.
Dogs accounted for 42% of reports, and horses, ponies and donkeys accounted for 58 reports, almost 30%.
Meanwhile, of the 200 reports, 198 covered Northern Ireland’s 11 council areas, one concerned the Republic of Ireland and one had no recorded location.
Newry, Mourne and Down, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, and Belfast City together accounted for 51%.
The USPCA revealed the figures ahead leading a major research workshop alongside charities, statutory agencies and researchers at Queen’s University and the Animal Welfare Evidence Centre on Wednesday.
Heather Weir, chief executive of the USPCA, expressed concern at the substantial rise in the number of reports.
“Every animal deserves care and protection.
“Supporting the USPCA puts compassion into action and helps sustain our work towards a future free from cruelty,” she said.
“These latest figures show a substantial rise in the concerns reported and recorded by the charity, with neglect the most frequently reported issue.
“The USPCA works collaboratively with the statutory agencies raising concerns as soon as we learn about them, so the impact of cruelty and neglect can be addressed before it is too late and animals die needlessly.
“We stand with Daera, the councils and other agencies, ready to support robust investigations and care of animals.
“Please stand with us for a kinder future for animals.”
She said Wednesday’s workshop will further explore the reports.
“This event will explore gaps in evidence, barriers to collecting and using data, and shared research priorities for Northern Ireland,” she said.
“This multi-sector approach aims to lay the foundations for better-informed services and more effective prevention of cruelty.
“Our shared compassion for animals can bring us together across organisational boundaries.
“Alongside Animal Welfare Officers, Daera and other agencies, the USPCA is working towards a kinder future, one where every animal is cared for and cruelty and neglect have no place.”