RSPCA prepare for busy Christmas period in Buckinghamshire
Blackberry Farm are nearly always full
RSPCA staff in Buckinghamshire are getting ready for another busy Christmas, after caring for 122 animals last Christmas Day.
The charity is worried more people won't be able to afford pets and so more could be abandoned.
The animal centre staff work round-the-clock, 365 days a year to care for animals in need and Christmas Day is no exception with Blackberry Farm caring for 66 dogs, 17 cats, four rabbits and 35 other animals on 25 December.
Throughout the festive period*, the animal centre took in 175 animals and cared for more dogs than any other animal (80).
This year, faced with the financial strain of the Coronavirus crisis, the RSPCA is concerned that more people may struggle to care for their pets and could see a rise in them being abandoned or neglected, meaning more animals could end up in rescue centres.
Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive at the RSPCA, said:
"There were nearly 2,000 animals in our care last Christmas Day with our animal centre staff working hard throughout the festive period to care for them. Our dedicated staff will be working round the clock again this Christmas to rehabilitate and care for the animals that need us the most.
"We could not do this without the generous support of fellow animal lovers who pick up the phone to alert us when an animal is in need and who donate to help us continue our vital work."
This December, RSPCA Blackberry Farm Animal Centre is caring for Maxy (pic), a nine-year-old crossbreed dog who came into the animal centre after being rescued by the inspectorate.
Poor Maxy was living in unsuitable conditions in a yard and left for extended periods of time.
He is a larger than life dog who loves fuss and will make an amazing companion. He will need some basic training and would be best suited to an experienced dog owner.
Maxy loves to run and play and enjoys his walks so although he is showing signs of arthritis he doesn't let that slow him down.
For more information or to rehome Maxy contact RSPCA Blackberry Farm Animal Centre.
Donating £50 could help feed all the rescued animals in one of our centres for a day.
This winter, the RSPCA expects to rescue thousands of animals from neglect, cruelty and suffering.
To help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them, visit www.rspca.org.uk/xmas and Join the Christmas Rescue #JoinTheRescue