GREATER Manchester's animal hospital is preparing for a busy time over Christmas, the RSPCA has warned.

During Christmas week last year the hospital in Salford cared for 221 animals, including 120 dogs, 99 cats and one rabbit.

This year the RSPCA is concerned that more people may struggle to care for their pets due to the pandemic and could see a rise in them being abandoned or neglected, meaning more animals could end up needing care.

Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive at the RSPCA, said: “There were more than 800 animals cared for at our hospitals over the Christmas week last year with our hospital staff working hard throughout the festive period to care for them. Our dedicated veterinary 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 Greater Manchester animal hospital helped to treat puppy Keith, who was found dumped in a box in Ashton-under-Lyne with a deformed paw.

The six-week-old puppy had to have his leg amputated at the hospital but is now recovering well.

The pup, believed to be a Patterdale Terrier-type, was found in a park by a passerby who heard a rustling noise coming from a box last month.

The RSPCA believes the puppy may have been bred to be sold at Christmas but due to his deformed paw, he was then dumped out in the cold.