RSPCA needs your help this Christmas

Monday, 29 November 2010 12:00 AM

The animal welfare charity has launched a virtual gifts website which allows you to make a donation directly to one of its specialist areas. Your contribution will help either our inspectors, rehoming centres, a wildlife hospital or to care for the four-legged residents of Lockwood Donkey Sanctuary.

RSPCA corporate development manager Samantha Horvath said:

"As Christmas rolls around once again, it can be hard to come up with original ideas for presents. "We hope that our Truly Special Gifts will solve this problem whilst also putting a smile on the faces of your friends and family as well as the RSPCA teams who will really value your support."

Here's just some of 2010's success stories from across the RSPCA.

. Inspectorate.

More than 141,000 cruelty complaints were received last year and 135,000 animals were rescued or collected. Just one of these calls was about a dog who was trapped 60ft down a disused mine shaft for nearly two days. Two-year-old Jack Russell Bean ran off when he was on a walk with his owners across open fields. Days later, they followed the sound of a faint whimper and tracked down their beloved pet who was then brought to safety by firefighters and an RSPCA inspector. Despite his ordeal, Bean was given a clean bill of health by vets and was soon back home with his family.

. Pets and rehoming.

The rescue of more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys from Spindles Farm in Amersham in 2008 was one of the biggest cases in RSPCA history. Rehoming all the animals which were nursed back to health by RSPCA staff got underway this year and the charity was inundated with more than 2,000 people offering homes to these very special horses. Not only did we rehome all the horses rescued from Amersham but 80 other horses and ponies in our care found their forever homes too. The case cost £2.3 million in legal fees, veterinary bills and animal care. The rescue and rehabilitation of these horses could not have happened without donations.

. Wildlife.

Mallydams Wood near Hastings nurses more than 2,500 sick and injured animals back to health every year. Staff work hard to make sure the animals are given the best chance of survival when they are released back into the wild.

More than 150 different species of animal come through their doors every year. They can range from the nationally rare and endangered such as two bitterns that came in earlier this year to mallard ducklings and hedgehogs. Donations will go directly towards the costs of providing this valuable lifeline to wild animals which includes vet bills, medicines, food, bedding and expert staff to feed and clean the animals.

. Lockwood Donkey Sanctuary.

The specialist equine centre has been run by the RSPCA since 2005. It costs £800 a day to run the centre which rescues and rehomes neglected or abused horses, ponies and donkeys.
Dingle and Riley were rescued in March in Hertfordshire. Dingle was so emaciated that he couldn't stand up on his own and Riley's backbone had been rubbed raw.
Lockwood staff nursed them back to health with round the clock care from a dedicated team and they are now safe, well and enjoyed life at Lockwood.

Donations from £10 to £100 can be made and come with a gift pack including a certificate. Donations of £15 or more come with a range of RSPCA goodies including stationary, postcards and stickers. To buy your Truly Special Gift log onto www.rspcagifts.co.uk

-ends-

Notes to editors

Images are available. Please contact the press office on 0300 123 0244/0288 or email press@rspca.org.uk

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk

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