The RSPCA’s hospitals cared for more than 5,000 animals* last December and 28 on Christmas Day alone.
In London, one of two RSPCA animal hospitals – Harmsworth in Finsbury Park – cared for more than 1,000** animals in December last year and this year expects to be just as busy.
Last December (2018), hospitals carried out 356 neutering procedures, microchipped 298 animals, vaccinated 949 animals and carried out 334 operations.
While most people will be enjoying some time off to celebrate with families and friends, RSPCA hospital staff will be working round-the-clock over the festive period caring for animals in need.
At Harmsworth, one vet and five nurses will be at work on Christmas Day taking care of the 10 dogs and 45 cats in their care over the holidays and on-call in case of any emergencies.
Hospital director Alanna Francois said: “Last Christmas Day we dealt with four emergencies for family pets and one emergency which came into us via the RSPCA inspectors.
“Our staff will also be busy caring for the inpatients who sadly find themselves in hospital over the holidays.
“They’ll also be preparing around 50 special Christmas dinners for the animals in our care – appropriate food chosen depending on their health at the time – all served with TLC!”
This Christmas, the RSPCA hospital will be caring for five-year-old rottweiler Klaus who was found on 15 December as a stray in an Enfield park with a severely infected wound to his front leg which could have been caused by a snare.
