MORE than 400 animals were abandoned in the South West last December, with more than 4,000 dumped across the festive season in England and Wales.

Animal welfare charity RSPCA is appealing to pet owners to look after animals this Christmas, following reports from last year in which 54 creatures were abandoned across Wiltshire.

Wiltshire was the county with the third largest number of abandonment reports during Christmas 2018, topped by Devon with 145 and Somerset with 72.

Dogs were more neglected than any other pet across the country, with 1,684 canines reported as abandoned in December 2018 and 1,678 abandoned in January this year.

Dermot Murphy, chief inspectorate officer at the RSPCA, said: “Christmas is a busy time for us, as sadly cruelty and abandonment does not stop over the festive season and our staff work tirelessly to rescue and care for animals in need.

"We understand that people’s circumstances can change which may mean they can no longer cope with their pet but there is never an excuse to abandon any animal like this, as there are other options available to people who are struggling to care for their pets. Dumping a pet leaves the animal extremely scared and vulnerable, especially in the cold winter months."

The charity is expecting to rescue and care for more than 10,000 animals in need across the upcoming winter months and is asking volunteers to get involved with the Stock the Sleigh campaign, by providing RSPCA centres and hospitals with money, food, medicine, treats and toys.

Dermot added: “We would urge anyone considering getting a pet to think carefully about whether they have the time, care, patience, and resources to care for that animal for the rest of their life and if you feel you really do, then please consider giving a rescue pet a second chance this new year.”