THE RSPCA are preparing for their busiest day this Christmas by urging the public to join their campaign.

Today - December 11, was the busiest day for animal cruelty calls during last year's festive period with 2,640 calls answered nationwide.

Throughout winter 2017, the charity answered 3,447 calls in Merseyside.

Now the public are being urged to donate to their Kindess At Christmas fundraising appeal to help cover running costs over the festive period.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood, said: “The RSPCA is a charity but we work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to ensure that there is always someone available to help an animal in need.

“This Christmas is no different and we’re expecting thousands of members of public to contact our emergency hotline over the holidays asking for help.

“That’s why we’ve launched our Kindness At Christmas fundraising appeal to help cover some of the costs we’ll face this winter.

"A donation of just £3.80 help us answer a call for help while £15 helps us keep an inspector on the road for a day.”

£12 coulf help buy the gift of comfort for an animal providing a warm blanket, tasty treats and a toy to donate visit www.rspca.org.uk/giftofkindness