THE RSPCA has launched a Christmas appeal for help as the charity is braced for a surge of abandoned and neglected animals as pet ownership soared during lockdown.

Last December, despite England and Wales having strict Covid restrictions in place, the RSPCA received one call every minute, one report of an abandoned animal every hour, and took 70 rescue animals into RSPCA care every day

In Hampshire there were 76 reports of animals being abandoned last winter, including 31 in December.

Animal abandonment levels have risen to almost pre-pandemic levels and the charity fears this festive season could be even busier.

Dermot Murphy, who heads the RSPCA frontline rescue teams, said officers will be saving animals across England and Wales throughout the festive season, including Christmas Day.

He said: "Our frontline rescue teams are braced for the worst this Christmas. We usually see two types of pet abandonment at Christmas and both are heartbreaking.

"Every year we get reports of people leaving their pets while they visit family and friends. This year is a four day holiday and many people will want to make-up for not being able to see family and friends so some animals will be left for days on their own to fend for themselves.

"It’s not acceptable to simply leave extra food and water for most pets if you are going away."

With 3,004 abandonment incidents in England and Wales last winter,1,018 of those during the month of December alone, the charity fears that rising abandonment rates will see more animals facing a bleak winter.

Dermot said: ""It’s a sad reality that some pets will be turned out on the streets this Christmas and we are braced for even more of that happening as the bills are rising, there are presents to buy or the commitment needed to own a pet becomes too much.

"Please never abandon a pet. Don’t be too proud to ask for help."