The RSPCA has revealed that December 10 is the busiest day of the month for emergency calls to its helpline.

The charity’s inspectors, animal welfare officers, and animal centre staff work 365 days a year to care for animals and Christmas is no exception. Last year, it took nearly 1,000 calls on Christmas Day alone, which was a 28% increase on 2017.

Between December 18 and January 2, there were 30,188 calls – another increase compared with the 25,721 calls received the year before.

Dermot Murphy, the RSPCA’s chief inspectorate officer, said: “Sadly each year our officers are out rescuing animals from cruelty and neglect often made worse by adverse weather conditions.

“This same week for the previous two years has been the busiest week of December so I know our cruelty line is going to be inundated with calls reporting concerns to us.”

Mr Murphy added: “That’s why we’ve launched our Stock the Sleigh appeal to help the 10,000 animals we expect to take in over the winter as we cannot do this alone, we need help and kindness from the general public.

“Just £25 could help us keep answering these phone calls every day of the year as well as providing a safe bed and food for an animal in need.”