MORE than 2,000 people reported cases of animal cruelty across Greater Manchester in just one month, the RSPCA have revealed.

The animal welfare charity say they expect today to be the busiest day of the Christmas period.

Last December they received 2,118 calls to their 24-hour emergency helpline. Over the winter - between December 1 and February 28 - they received 6,546 calls from Greater Manchester.

The charity released the figures as they launched an appeal to help cover the costs it will face over Christmas.

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.”

The RSPCA remains open over Christmas with call handlers, inspectors, animal centre workers and veterinary staff giving up their family time to help look after the animals and respond to calls for help.

Based on the last three winters, the RSPCA expect more than 10,000 animals to be taken into care nationwide this winter.