RSPCA braced for toughest Christmas yet in Norfolk
The charity is concerned the coronavirus pandemic might lead to more neglected animals.
Last winter, the charity responded to 1,268 incidents in the county between December 2019 to February 2020 - 451 in December alone
Nationally, the RSPCA took in more than 7,000 animals between the same period and received more than 2,000 calls per day.
Now, with the added financial pressure caused by the coronavirus crisis, the charity is worried there could be a rise in the number of people unable to care for their animals.
Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA's animal rescue teams, said:
"Christmas may be different for many people this year but for the RSPCA, our teams will be working day in, day out, as usual, rescuing, caring and rehabilitating those animals who need us the most.
"Last year, we rescued thousands of animals over the winter months and we fear that due to the pandemic, we could be facing our toughest Christmas yet as we are braced for a rise in abandoned and neglected animals needing our help."
This year the RSPCA is asking people to support its Join the Christmas Rescue appeal, by donating to help its teams continue the work they do.
Dermot continued:
"It’s been a tough year for everyone, including charities, so now more than ever we need your help to continue our vital work saving animals and giving them a voice.
"Our frontline teams are out throughout the winter but they cannot do this alone, which is why the RSPCA has launched its Join the Christmas Rescue campaign to show how we can all help animals.
"From our animal rescuers, hospital and centre staff, and our volunteers to every supporter who picks up the phone to call us when an animal is in need, or donates to help us continue our work - every one of us is vital to make sure we can rescue the animals who need us the most."
You can support the RSPCA's work via their website.