As the memories of Christmas begin to fade and people begin their resolutions with a declaration of ‘new year, new me’, it’s easy to forget the many animals who will be abandoned this January.

The RSPCA said this year, it received 770 calls between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. Of these, 192 were related to abandoned animals.

The charity is expecting to take in 19,000 animals throughout December and into January. The age old saying ‘a pet is for life not just for Christmas’ still applies as people foolishly think animals will make a cute present but soon find they are unable to take on the responsibility.

Owning an animal takes work and can be very expensive. Although some people will take their unwanted pets to a shelter, cruel people have been dumping their animals in towns and on roadsides, leaving them to fend for themselves.

How would you feel being a vulnerable animal left to fight for your survival? They wanted to be loved - they didn’t choose this life. They have been left cold, alone and scared with no shelter or food to keep them going. Animals are beautiful, kind creatures and I cannot understand how anyone could do such a cruel thing to a defenceless animal who does not deserve it.

The RSPCA needs help. If you pass a charity shop, try to donate or maybe sponsor an animal. Whatever you do you’ll help