One in five people in the North East have witnessed an animal being harmed online, according to shock new research from the RSPCA.
The charity said it had seen reports about social media animal abuse on course to hit a four-year high, too. The animal charity is now concerned about the impact of seeing animal cruelty on social media is having on younger people. More than 43% of 16 and 17-year-olds have witnessed online animal cruelty, with almost a third of 18 to 24-year-olds saying the same.
These figures come as the charity has published its Animal Kindness Index which also shows how 54% of North East households own a pet, 69% of people here describe themselves as an animal lover, and 88% say animal welfare should be protected by Government legislation.
Read more: Sisters complete challenge for charity which supported their baby sister
- Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter
The RSPCA is urging social media companies to do more to stamp animal abuse content out. The charity's chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “There’s a growing concern that the proliferation of animal abuse content online risks normalising animal harm, pain and suffering. Our lives have been transformed by the internet - but it poses some inherent risks too. We’re deeply concerned by the terrifyingly high numbers of young people now being exposed to images and videos of animal abuse.
“Social media companies must do more to protect young people from being exposed to this content - or we risk further fuelling an animal welfare crisis, at a time when the challenges facing animals are already among the greatest in the RSPCA's 200-year history.
“Social media giants need to make it easy and obvious for people to report this horrible content, and must prioritise protecting its users from images and videos glorifying animal harm.”
The recent Online Safety Act will see Ofcom consult on how social media firms must act to deal with animal abuse on their platforms. Chris added it was vital that Ofcom published "clear guidance" for companies, and that the companies then went further still.
The charity has cited examples of footage including of a dog chasing a deer until it catches it by its neck - encouraged by a man - and of a boy "deliberately pushing" a lamb down spiral steps in such a way that vets estimated it would have suffered fractures, brain injuries and organ damage.
The RSPCA said it fears younger generations being more exposed to online animal cruelty could be leading to a "compassion gap" - with them de-sensitised and consequently having the least favourable opinions about animal welfare. The charity's survey found that the 18 to 24 age bracket were less likely to take action to look after animals and more tolerant of potentially harmful behaviours.
These so-called Generation Z youngsters are more likely to support dressing up animals for fashion or fun (33% compared to 16% of the general population), breeding animals for specific genetic problems (14% to seven per cent) and using animals in TV shows (23% to 16%).
Youtuber Esme Higgs, 23, backed the RSPCA's campaign and said: "Young people already have so much on their collective plates. However, amid the challenges, there's an incredible opportunity for us to make a positive impact. While concerns about the environment and climate anxiety are common, we have the power to create change and foster hope for a better future.
"Social pressures are significant, but they also connect us in ways that allow for widespread advocacy and support. Social media can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness and driving collective action for causes we care about, including animal welfare."
She said young people were resourceful and determined to build a better work despite pressures on the cost of living and added: "The Animal Kindness Index shows a potential compassion gap, but I believe young people are more than capable of bridging this gap with their passion and energy."
More information on the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index can be found online. The animal welfare charity has also published guidance on its own website advising people on what they can if they witness animal abuse.
Join our WhatsApp communities
ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.
We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community
Join our Court & Crime community
Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community
Join our Northumberland community
