RSPCA figures show number of mistreated animals investigated and rescued has doubled Annalise, 8, and Evie, 9, love their new dogs Mya (left) and Coda which were adopted from the RSPCA. THE number of mistreated animals investigated and rescued has doubled over the past year, with more people reporting animal cruelty cases to the RSPCA. New figures obtained by The Advertiser show the number of animal inspections and rescues has jumped from 5357 in the 2011/12 financial year to 10,526 in 2012/13. The number of cruelty reports went up by a third, from 2496 to 3696. RSPCA SA animal operations manager Kerriann Campbell credits the increases to more public awareness of animal cruelty. She said news reports and the charity's use of social media had helped spread the message. "It seems people are increasingly aware that they have a responsibility to see and report animal cruelty, or sick and injured strays, and this has impacted on the number of animals requiring our assistance and care," Ms Campbell said. News reports, an increasing number of programs on television about animals, public debates about animal issues, such as the labelling of eggs, and new communications tools like smart phones and social media are all contributing to an evolving social conscience about animal welfare. The figures also showed the RSPCA prosecuted 30 people for animal cruelty in the past year - down from 38 the previous year - with a further 24 still before the courts. Ms Campbell said social media was also helping rehome more animals. "Our Facebook page is really helping us to connect directly with people who may be interested in adopting a pet or supporting the RSPCA and it's certainly assisting our progressive rehoming initiatives and helping us increase adoption rates," she said. Redwood Park mother Debbie Clifford and her husband Paul recently adopted two huskies, Mya and Coda, from the RSPCA after they had been at the Lonsdale shelter for more than eight months. Mrs Clifford said they decided to adopt the dogs for their three children Evie, Annalise and Jethro, after reading a story on The Advertiser's website about a record number of stray dogs at the shelter. "We lost our dog last year and were looking at getting another dog, so we looked on the RSPCA website and found them," she said. It feels like we've had them forever ... they've just fit into the family like we've had them since they were puppies. Anyone who witnesses animal abuse or has seen a sick or injured animal should call the RSPCA on 1300 477 722. For more information about adopting a pet, visit www.adoptapet.com.au.