RSPCA braced for toughest Christmas yet in Greater Manchester

RSPCA bosses fear the financial strain of the Covid-19 restrictions could mean a rise in pets being abandoned and neglected across the region.
We could be facing our toughest Christmas yet as we are braced for a rise in abandoned animalsWe could be facing our toughest Christmas yet as we are braced for a rise in abandoned animals
We could be facing our toughest Christmas yet as we are braced for a rise in abandoned animals

There were 944 incidents in 2019 in Greater Manchester of this nature but charity chiefs have braced themselves for 2020 being the “toughest year yet”.

Due to the current crisis, the charity is concerned that more people may struggle to care for their pets this year.

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This has sparked fears of a rise in them being abandoned or neglected, putting more pressure on the charity’s rescue teams than ever before.

Now the RSPCA has asked supporters to join the Christmas Rescue by donating to help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.

The charity’s officers are out on the frontline 365 days a year, including Christmas Day.

Despite the situation, this year will be no exception with frontline teams saving animals and caring for them at centres and hospitals across England and Wales, as they have doing throughout the crisis.

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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.”

Last Christmas Day, the charity received more than 950 calls, the highest number since 2013.

It received 63,000 calls throughout December, or 2,000 a day, making it the busiest Christmas period for at least four years.

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The charity also dealt with 2,836 incidents in Greater Manchester across the winter period last year.

Mr Murphy said: “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.”

He added: “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.”

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Donating just £25 could help keep Animal Rescue Teams on the road and £50 could help feed all the rescued animals in one of its centres for a day.

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