In Dorset alone RSPCA received more than 450 reports of animal cruelty last Christmas

Just one animal cruelty line in Dorset received more than 450 calls last Christmas.

The figures were revealed by the RSPCA as it launches its festive appeal to help thousands of abused, neglected, and abandoned animals.

Last Christmas Day was the charity’s busiest for five years – it received 934 calls from around the country to its cruelty line.

This year, it is asking people to Stock the Sleigh for the RSPCA to help all the animals it cares for over the Christmas period.

Last December, there were more than 61,000 calls coming through to the charity’s cruelty line, up by more than 5,000 the previous year. Of these calls, 3,307 were logged in the south west including 461 from Dorset.

Dermot Murphy, Chief Inspectorate Officer, said: “Our cruelty line received more than 900 calls on Christmas Day last year and our rescue officers are always out working through the festive period to help animals in need.

“Hospital staff will be working to provide veterinary care for injured and sick animals and our animal centre staff will be making sure the hundreds of pets and wild animals in our care over Christmas are well looked after.”

Mr Murphy added: “Rescue work doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas. We know that animals need our help all-year round and our officers are out in all weathers helping save pets from abuse and neglect, and rescuing wildlife who may be injured or in need of assistance. We are expecting to take in more than 10,000 animals this winter which means the officers, vets and animal care staff are braced for another busy festive period.

What is going on in Dorset when so many complaints can come in over such a small period of time? The vast majority of people in dorset are wondeful people but that is a truly shocking figure!