RSPCA appeal after more than 1,200 calls in Shropshire last year
The RSPCA dealt with nearly 1,200 calls in Shropshire last winter – and is preparing for another difficult year.
There were 369 calls in December alone and, as Christmas approaches, the charity is calling on people to help cover the increased costs it faces.
The charity is expecting more than 10,000 animals to be taken into its care this winter nationally.
Chris Sherwood, RSPCA chief executive, said: "The RSPCA is a charity but we work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to ensure that there is always someone available to help an animal in need.
“This Christmas is no different and we’re expecting thousands of members of public to contact our emergency hotline over the holidays asking for help.
"That’s why we’ve launched our Kindness At Christmas fundraising appeal to help cover some of the costs we’ll face this winter. A donation of just £3.80 help us answer a call for help while £15 helps us keep an inspector on the road for a day.”
The RSPCA remains open over Christmas with call handlers, inspectors, animal centre workers and veterinary staff giving up their family time to help look after the animals and respond to calls for help.
Nationally it received 55,821 calls from members of the public in December last year.
It answered 1,220 calls on Christmas Eve, 726 on Christmas day and 1,268 on Boxing Day. More than 1,300 calls were answered on New Year's Eve.
In Wales 2,822 calls were made to the charity in December, with 9,058 in total across the winter period. More than 900 calls were made in Staffordshire over December and 2,769 across winter.
