Frontline officers and centre teams across Wales ensure animals receive festive treats and vital care
WHILE many families across Wales will be unwrapping presents and sitting down to Christmas dinner, RSPCA Cymru staff and volunteers will once again be on duty, caring for vulnerable animals and responding to welfare emergencies throughout the festive period.
Across the charity’s two national rehoming centres and its network of local branches, including RSPCA Llys Nini in Swansea, scores of dogs, cats and small animals will spend Christmas Day in safe hands. Many of the animals have been rescued from neglect or cruelty and are now being given a second chance while they wait for loving forever homes.
RSPCA Inspectors and Animal Rescue Officers will also be working throughout Christmas and Boxing Day, responding to animal welfare calls across Wales.
Despite the demands of the season, staff ensure the animals still enjoy some festive cheer, with special treats, toys and plenty of attention from carers.
Chloe Wakeham, 25, an Animal Care Assistant at RSPCA Newport Animal Centre, will be working on Christmas Day.
“My favourite part of the day will be getting to spend time with the animals and watching them open their presents,” she said. “We all chip in for treats for the cats and dogs and make sure they get lots of fuss.
“Once my shift ends, I’ll be spending time with my family and watching my own animals open their presents. I’ll be enjoying my Christmas on Boxing Day.”
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ethan Griffin, 20, from Swansea, will be working on Christmas Eve, responding to emergency calls.
“The festive season doesn’t stop animals from being in need,” he said. “This will be my first Christmas shift with the RSPCA, and I’m really looking forward to helping animals who need us.
“When I get home, I’ll be straight into comfy Christmas pyjamas and watching Home Alone with my family and pets.”
Meanwhile, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Kirsty Morgan, who works across South East Wales, will be on the frontline on Christmas Day, responding to emergency calls between midday and 8pm.
“I’ve worked for the RSPCA for 13 years and this will be my first Christmas as an officer,” she said. “In my previous role, we always made sure every animal had a special meal and a gift from Santa.
“I’ll be with my family in the morning before going on call, and I hope any rescues I attend make a real difference – that’s why we do the job.”
RSPCA Animal Welfare Officer Ellie West will be working on Boxing Day, marking her tenth festive period on duty.
“Our children are grown up now, so it’s nice to help colleagues with young families,” she said. “It’s reassuring to know we’re there for animals and people when they need us most.
“Wildlife rescues are always my favourites at Christmas – we’ve helped many grey seal pups over the festive period, and those rescues always stay with you.”
The charity has warned that reports of animal abandonment are on course to reach a six-year high. In response, RSPCA Cymru has launched The Big Give Back to Animals winter appeal to raise vital funds and ensure frontline teams can continue their lifesaving work.
As others celebrate at home, RSPCA staff across Wales will once again be proving that for rescued animals, Christmas care never stops.
