Shocking footage of animals attacks uploaded to social networking websites are part of an increase in “very serious” cruelty cases in Bradford, a charity claims.

RSPCA inspectors say they have seen a rise in the number of people using their mobile phones to film themselves abusing their pets to post online as they revealed there were 216 cases of animal mistreatment and 82 prosecutions in West Yorkshire last year.

North region manager Mike Hogg said the new figures, released today, include cases of dog fighting, animal baiting and general neglect of cats, dogs and other animals.

He said: “We are seeing an increasing number of cases of people filming themselves abusing their pets on their mobile phones and uploading clips on social networking websites.

“Whereas before members of the public would report animal abuse with, for example, concerns about their neighbour’s dog, they’re now seeing the criminal side of animal abuse online.

“We are seeing an increase in very serious animal abuse cases in Bradford and Keighley and the number of prosecutions show we will take action. The courts have a wide range of powers and can jail people for cruelty offences.

“There’s also been an increase in the number of cases of animals randomly being abandoned, which we believe is connected with the current economic situation.”

The statistics, which show the number of animal cruelty cases in England and Wales have risen by 25 per cent compared to last year, have been released by the charity before it starts RSPCA Week to highlight its work.

Inspector Rachel Oprysk, at the RSPCA Bradford and District’s branch on Mount Street, spoke yesterday about one Staffordshire bull terrier, Charlie – now rehomed with Susan Hill, 46, of Baildon – who was found with demodectic mange and overgrown nails last May.

She said: “The police spotted a woman walking through the streets walking a dog which was in a horrendous condition. She said she’d found him tied up and handed him over to the officers. When he came here he was in a very bad way and needed antibiotics and intensive care.

“It later emerged that the woman had bought the dog from a friend and had had him for a couple of weeks but didn’t know how to care for him. She was given an adult caution.

“The majority of the time we try to work with people because in some cases they don’t intend to mistreat their pets – they are not criminal but ignorant and don’t know how to care for animals.

“Unfortunately we deal with a lot of cases like Charlie’s but it’s great to see he’s now in a loving home.”

For more information about RSPCA week – from April 30 to May 6 – visit rspcaweek.org.