The RSPCA received a total of 309 calls from people concerned about abandoned animals in Eastern England in the two weeks following Christmas Eve (24 December to 6 January).
Of these calls, 46 came from Derbyshire, meaning the county had 31 more cases of abandonment this christmas and New Year than in last year's festive period.
Abandoned dogs in Derbyshire were the subject of 30 of the calls and 10 concerned abandon
ed cats.
The cases included a male black cat that was found on the edge of the road near the Sherwood Forest visitor centre at about 8am on Sunday 30 December.
He was wearing an old red velcro collar and is now being cared for at a private boarding cattery on behalf of the RSPCA. He has been named Ashley by staff at the cattery.
RSPCA East regional superintendent Tim Wass said: "Christmas is supposed to be a time of goodwill which should apply to animals as well as humans – pets should not be forgotten or thrown out with the rubbish because we're bored with them or have acquired a 'better' model.
"Despite repeated pleas to the public not to abandon pets, our animal centres are full and we have seen more abandoned animals in the East this Christmas than ever before."
To find out about rehoming an animal from the RSPCA, please visit
www.rspca.org.uk and click on 'Local RSPCA' then 'East region' to find contact details for your nearest animal centre or branch.
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