A neglected animal is reported to the RSPCA every five minutes - as shocking new statistics highlight how busy the charity's rescuers are on the frontline, with calls from Somerset contributing to a winter crisis.

New figures from the animal welfare charity show that, up to the end of October, its dedicated emergency line had received 43,360 reports of neglect.

In Somerset alone, the charity received 830 reports about neglected animals in the first 10 months of this year.

The distressing new statistics - which include statistics for each county - have been released as part of the charity's Join the Christmas Rescue campaign - aiming to support its frontline staff ahead of what could be a "bleak" winter season for pets and other animals.

In the first ten months of the year, the line had been open for 3,474 hours - meaning it averages 12.5 calls about neglect every single hour, or one report every 288 seconds.

The number of reports the charity had about neglect in October (4,387) - was also higher than the number in that month of 2022 (3,818), 2021 (4,186) and 2020 (3,931) - with incidents shooting up up an eye-watering 14.9% compared to last year.

The data follows previous statistics suggesting calls about abandoned animals are at a three-year high, with the charity expecting to receive more than 21,400 calls about unwanted and dumped animals this year too.

The new figures saw staggering numbers of incidents in each local area. So far this year, Greater London, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, Lancashire and Kent have seen the most neglect reports - but RSPCA frontline rescuers responding to neglect reports in all parts of England and Wales

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

"Across England and Wales, our emergency line is getting a call about a neglected animal every 288 seconds. Combine those levels of neglect with rising abandonments, the cost of living crisis, and the cold weather this winter, and we fear this could be a very bleak time for animals.

"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.

"This winter, our rescue teams are set to be very busy trying to help and reach so many neglected animals - which is why we need animal lovers to join the Christmas rescue now more than ever, and donate to help us be there for neglected animals in their time of need."

Here is one of the many animals rescued by the RSPCA currently looking for a home in Somerset. Doris is a young dog who is looking for her forever home. Doris is very sociable, just adores cuddles, and loves to learn new things. Although Doris is strong on the lead, she settles quickly and walks calmly. She has learned how to wear a muzzle and tolerates it without issue. Doris has never lived in a home environment but has had day trips to a foster home. During these visits she enjoyed the experience, adapting well to everything that was new. She interacted really well with the resident dog - although is understandably very playful, and needs to learn some boundaries. Doris would benefit from a home where there are either only adults or young people older than 16-years-old where someone has the time to invest in her training. Due to her age and lack of home experiences, Doris will need someone at home during the day initially, with the flexibility to teach her to be left at her own pace. Doris is a potential XL Bully type dog which means that adopters will need to be fully aware of, and understand the implications and restrictions of the laws that will be in place early next year. Staff at the centre will provide full pre and post adoption support to help with this.

Although Doris is very sociable with other dogs, the team feel she will be better able to cope with the potential restriction of being kept on a lead in public if she is homed as an only dog. It could be frustrating for her to be kept on lead during walks, if another dog had freedom to run. She is looking for a home via the team at RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre and there is more information on her rehoming profile. If Doris isn't the right match for you, there are more rescue animals who have been saved from cruelty and neglect in search of a home on the RSPCA Find-a-pet page.

One of the many animals rescued from neglect by the charity before having his life transformed is Peter. RSPCA rescuers responded to a neglect complaint and found seven tiny stacked cages containing nine cats - including Peter. The cages were sized approximately 3ft x 2ft, and were double stacked around the room.

Peter was riddled with fleas - and had been left trapped in a cage, with no food and only a filthy water bowl. Vets later confirmed Peter had a flea infestation.

Litter trays at the premises were overflowing - and the RSPCA inspector who raced to the aid of the animals was left struggling to breathe.

All of the cats - including Peter - had nowhere clean and dry to sleep or space to stretch and exercise.

The poorly puss was found with yellow staining to the white fur on his paws from being kept in such a dirty environment, and he had live fleas and hair/skin condition consistent with flea allergic dermatitis.

Thankfully, Peter and his feline friends were given the care they needed before being rehomed through the RSPCA Kent, Ashford, Tenterden & District Branch.

Adoption saw his fortune change for the better once again when he met his perfect match in Helen Glennister and her family in Kent - who added Pete to their family.

Helen believes her family and Peter have brought happiness and joy to each other's lives and has encouraged animal lovers to join the Christmas rescue by supporting the RSPCA, and to always choose a rescue animal if they want to add a pet to the family.

She said: "I first saw Peter on a social media post, and instantly fell in love with him. He has such an expressive face. We'd been thinking about adopting a rescue dog because I've always been a 'dog person' until that point but Peter changed my mind!

"Straight away I knew he'd be right at home with my family and contacted the shelter to find out more about adoption and home checks. They said he'd only had one other person interested in adopting him before I got in touch. I knew then we had to give him the chance he deserves.

"He arrived with our family on the first day of lockdown in 2020 so things were a little unusual. He was the last cat to be rehomed by the team before everything changed. It was a 'distanced' handover because of the Covid-19 restrictions and he was stuck inside with us for quite a long time while we waited for vets to be able to give him his injections.

"I think this experience helped to bring him closer to us. He loves being outside but loves spending time beside us even more. He loves nothing more than tummy tickles. He's become such a loved member of the family. He took some time to trust us but is now the best cat we could have possibly hoped for."

Peter has now built up a very special bond with Helen's 11-year-old son Arthur and they love spending time together

She said: "My son Arthur is his best friend. Peter adores him and enjoys nothing more than spending time on Arthur's bed. He also loves routine. His favourite time of the day is bedtime, especially reading together with Arthur at bedtime and waking up together for breakfast.

"Arthur is a huge animal lover so it was important to him to make sure Peter has a bell on his collar to stop him catching birds and wildlife but we didn't have to worry, he's certainly not a hunter. The only present he's ever brought in was a blade of grass. He was so proud of himself. He ran inside in sheer delight to present it to us.

"He's brought such joy into our home - I couldn't imagine life without him.

"I'd encourage everyone to adopt an RSPCA rescue pet. It's a win-win situation. 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."

This year the RSPCA is asking supporters to join the Christmas Rescue by donating to help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.