RSPCA Cymru is expecting thousands of calls about animals suffering from neglect this winter after nearly 3,000 were made in 2015.

Last winter the RSPCA took thousands of calls about neglected animals, and the charity recently launched its ‘Love Animals, Hate Cruelty’ campaign which aims to bring these issues to the attention of the nation.

From animals left without shelter or adequate food and water, to those left with painful untreated injuries or illness, statistics show that from October 2015 to January 2016 there were 2,987 calls were made to the RSPCA in Wales about animals suffering due to neglect.

One of these calls last winter was about an emaciated and poorly dog (pictured) who was dumped in Newport. The dog was found in a collapsed, weak state just days before Christmas. He had been tied to a bin with a heavy chain and once discovered was rushed to a vets.

RSPCA inspector Selina Chan said: “This poor dog was emaciated, and his eyes were closed due to thick green pus. He was unable to stand due to his poor health.

“Sadly on independent veterinary advice the dog was put to sleep. He was microchipped, but the details were out of date so we were unable to track down his owner.” Unfortunately despite extensive enquiries the owner was not found.

RSPCA Cymru superintendent Martyn Hubbard said: “The fact that last winter in Wales we received nearly 3,000 calls from people reporting neglect to animals is shocking especially when you add that to all the other calls we receive at the same time about other welfare issues. It really hits home just what we are up against.

“Issues such as animals not been provided with a suitable environment to shelter from the harsh weather and not being given enough food and water to keep them healthy despite the cold and damp are common complaints made to us.”

To help the RSPCA rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals, and to support the winter Love Animals, Hate Cruelty campaign, visit: rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/donate/online