The RSPCA received 549 reports about neglected animals in Cornwall during the first 10 months of the year.

These reports come as the animal welfare charity is bracing itself for what could be a "bleak" winter season for our furry friends.

From January to October, its emergency line clocked up 3,474 hours, averaging 12.5 calls about animal neglect every hour, or one report every 288 seconds.

October’s figures revealed a 14.9 per cent increase in neglect reports compared to the same month last year.

The RSPCA has seen a three-year high in calls about abandoned animals, predicting over 21,400 such reports this year.

RSPCA's inspectorate commissioner, Dermot Murphy said: "Thousands of animals' lives are hanging in the balance this Christmas with animal neglect reports a real cause for concern - including in Cornwall.

"But there is hope, our frontline officers work tirelessly to bring neglected animals to safety - and it's the kind-hearted public who power these rescue efforts".

The charity has been actively rescuing and rehoming animals in need.

One such animal is Nelson, who had been living in an unsocialised and overcrowded home with more than 30 cats.

Now, he is looking for a loving home, currently cared for by the RSPCA Cornwall Branch.

The charity has also rescued other animals like Peter, who had a bleak past before being adopted by Helen Glennister and her family in Kent.

Ms Glennister encourages others to adopt rescue animals, stating: "I’d encourage everyone to adopt an RSPCA rescue pet.

"Not only does the cat win by finding a loving home but the owner wins too with all the love and happiness a rescue animal brings."

As part of its Christmas Rescue campaign, the RSPCA is seeking donations to help their rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.

To support the work the RSPCA is doing, you can donate by visiting its official website at https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/donate/online.