RSPCA Putney Animal Hospital expects this year to be just as busy

Last December (2018), the two RSPCA 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 still be working round-the-clock over the festive period caring for animals in need.

Five members of staff will be working Christmas Day and expect to deal with around a dozen emergencies. Last year, they dealt with five outpatient emergencies, four inpatient emergencies and performed two urgent operations.

This Christmas, staff at Putney will be caring for a number of animals including 20 cats, five dogs, some small furries, reptiles and wildlife emergencies. One of those they’ll be looking after is Rosie who was signed over to the RSPCA after being brought in having been bitten by another dog.

Poor Rosie arrived at Putney at the beginning of December. The 18-month-old Jack Russell terrier had deeply infected wounds to her legs - down to the bone - following a dog attack.

Putney’s Joanne Elms said: “Rosie was in a really bad way and we weren’t sure if she was going to make it. Thankfully, after two operations, daily dressing changes and lots of TLC she pulled through.

“A lot of the tissue around the wounds was dead and needed to be removed. She’s now on the mend and we’re hoping she can move to one of our rehoming centres in the New Year!”

Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the RSPCA, said: “Christmas is set to be an extremely busy time for the RSPCA once again with more than 5,000 animals cared for by veterinary staff at RSPCA animal hospitals last Christmas.

“Animals still need our help at Christmas and this year will be no exception so whilst many people tuck into their Christmas dinners, our dedicated vets and vet nurses will be caring for animals in need round-the-clock over the festive period.”

It costs around £670,000 to run an RSPCA centre for a year - funded by donations from the public. You can make a generous donation to Stock the Sleigh and help animals in our care.

● £7 could keep an animal warm with a soft and cosy blanket
● £15 could give the gift of comfort - a warm blanket, treats and toys
● £25 could give the gift of safety - it could help answer a phone call, provide a safe bed and food
● £40 could give the gift of care - providing essential veterinary care and medicines

This winter, the RSPCA expects to take in more than 10,000 animals in need across England and Wales. To help us deliver vital supplies to thousands of abused, neglected and abandoned animals left out in the cold this Christmas, visit www.rspca.org.uk/giftofkindness and watch your virtual gift fill up our sleigh with a grateful wag from Sprout the dog.

December 24, 2019