RSPCA launches Christmas gift appeal for Suffolk rescue pets

The RSPCA Suffolk Central Branch is calling on the public to send presents to animals at its Martlesham Animal Centre.

The branch has drafted a wishlist, including snuffle mats and rope toys for dogs, coconut hides and small puzzle feeders for mice, and soft paper bedding for rats.

The appeal comes as the centre is currently looking after 89 animals, many of which are victims of cruelty, neglect, or have been abandoned due to the cost-of-living crisis.

RSPCA Suffolk appeals for Christmas gifts for rescue pets (Image: Submitted) The charity is encouraging residents, businesses, and schools to get involved and help make the festive season special for the animals.

Lorna Goodwin, corporate and community fundraiser at the branch, said: “Last year we rehomed an amazing 300 animals and we currently have 89 animals in our care including on site and in foster homes.

“While staff and volunteers do all they can to make Christmas special for the animals in our care - it’s never quite the same as them having their own family and home to call their own.

“So to help make the festive season extra special we are asking local residents to pick a gift off the rescue pets wishlist and send it in to us if you can - we’ve also provided some gift tags to help.

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“Whether it’s a one-off gift or you’d like to organise a larger collection with your family, workplace or school, we’d love you to get involved and make this a Christmas to remember for all the rescue pets at our centre.”

Gift tags can be picked up at the Martlesham Animal Centre or any of the RSPCA Suffolk Central Branch shops, or downloaded from the branch's website.

All presents should be dropped off at the Martlesham Animal Centre or any of the branch's shops.

For bulk collection, contact fundraising@rspca-suffolkcentral.org.uk.