RSPCA Ashley Heath cared for more than 100 animals last Christmas Day and is expecting another busy festive season this year,

The animal centre staff work round-the-clock, 365 days a year, to care for animals in need. Christmas Day is no exception, with Ashley Heath caring for 41 dogs, 51 cats, five rabbits and 36 other animals on December 25, 2019.

Throughout last December the animal centre took in 190 animals and cared for more cats than any other animal (77).

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 like Ashley Heath.

Chris Sherwood, the RSPCA’S chief executive, 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 month, RSPCA Ashley Heath is caring for Whisper, a white domestic rabbit who came into the centre from a multi-animal home after the owner was struggling to cope. As there were too many animals within the household, Whisper hasn’t had much handling so the staff are working hard to build up his confidence around people. This two-year-old male rabbit will need to be rehomed with a female rabbit.

For more information and to give Whisper a home, email ashleyheath@rspca.org.uk.

Visit: rspca.org.uk