With temperatures plummeting to below-freezing and heavy snowfall in many areas, the RSPCA is urging people to do their bit to help animals.

The Met Office has this week issued a number of yellow and amber weather warnings for snow and ice across the UK.

RSPCA Inspectorate Commissioner Dermot Murphy said: “It’s really important we help our animal friends get through the chilly weather, and we’ve got lots of helpful advice and tips available for people to make sure their own pets, and local wildlife, are kept safe.

“Already this week we have responded to a number of calls about animals being abandoned or left to fend for themselves in the freezing cold. We’ve seen dogs left tied up or outside with no shelter and horses and livestock struggling as their only water source has frozen over.”

Mr Murphy added: “Wild animals will also be struggling in this icy weather, facing challenges such as dehydration, hunger and cold. But a few little changes to your everyday routine can really make a difference to animals.

“For example, a little bit of extra food left out for a hungry bird may be the help it needs to last through a spate of frosty weather.”