AS the festive season approaches, animal-lovers in Evesham and Pershore are asked to not to forget their four-legged friends at this time of year.
Last year in Worcestershire a total of 2,688 calls about sick, neglected or abused animals were received by the RSPCA between December 1 and December 31 – and there were 39 calls on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day alone.
From poorly, unwanted pets dumped on the streets to animals and wildlife deliberately cruelly treated, RSPCA inspectors are preparing to see more cruelty and neglect this winter.
The animal welfare charity expect to take in around 19,000 animals in need this December and January and desperately needs help to care for them.
RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne said: “It’s a sad fact that every day at work throughout the year can be tough for our inspectors and animal welfare and collection officers, but winter really does come with its own challenges and issues.
“During the festive season alone last year, we rescued more than 25,000 animals, many of whom had been cruelly abandoned, injured or abused.
“But we also saw so many acts of kindness by animal lovers, from the passer-by who rescued a shivering and sick puppy days before Christmas, to those who reported suffering animals to our cruelty hotline or volunteers caring for animals in our centres and branches.
“We are asking animal lovers across the country to show kindness this Christmas by supporting our winter appeal.”
To help the RSPCA to continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need, visit www.rspca.org.uk/winterappeal
