Hertfordshire's RSPCA Animal Centre cared for more than 100 animals last Christmas Day

RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, cared for 110 animals last Christmas Day.

The animal centre staff work round-the-clock, 365 days a year to care for animals in need and Christmas Day is no exception with Southridge caring for 44 dogs, 41 cats, one rabbit, six equines and 18 other animals on December 25.

Throughout December, the animal centre took in 144 animals and cared for more dogs than any other animal (58).

This year, faced with the financial strain of the Coronavirus crisis, the RSPCA is concerned that more people may struggle to care for their pets and could see a rise in them being abandoned or neglected, meaning more animals could end up in rescue centres.

Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive at the RSPCA, said: “There were nearly 2,000 animals in our care last Christmas Day with our animal centre staff working hard throughout the festive period to care for them.

"Our dedicated staff will be working round the clock again this Christmas to rehabilitate and care for the animals that need us the most.

“We could not do this without the generous support of fellow animal lovers who pick up the phone to alert us when an animal is in need and who donate to help us continue our vital work.”

This December, RSPCA Southridge is caring for Cluck Norris, a one-year old cockerel and his ‘girlfriends’.

Cluck came into the animal centre with his legs tied together with a blue ribbon. His legs were severely ulcerated and bleeding and he was in a terrible state.

He is back to full health now and like many cockerels is taking his job of looking after his home and his friends very seriously.

He is looking for a home together with his new girlfriends, Chickira, Princess Layer and Amelia Egghart.

For more information or to rehome Cluck Norris contact RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre.

This winter, the RSPCA expects to rescue thousands of animals from neglect, cruelty and suffering. To help their rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who need them, visit www.rspca.org.uk/xmas and Join the Christmas Rescue #JoinTheRescue.