‘The saddest sight’: The amazing Shropshire rescue dogs at centre of RSPCA Christmas 2024 campaign

It was the saddest sight Shropshire RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes had ever seen.

He was involved in the rescue of Jack and Poppy from a filthy flat where they had been abandoned, starving and with a terrible skin condition.

They were found lying on a grimey mattress - just hours away from death - after a neighbour reported their concerns to the RSPCA.

And thanks to urgent veterinary treatment by the charity and rehabilitation work carried out by dedicated staff at Gonsal Animal Farm Centre in Shropshire, the two Staffordshire bull terrier type puppies  have begun a fantastic new chapter in their lives.

Now the amazing story of their rescue from Merseyside to Dorrington is being featured in the RSPCA’s new Christmas advert which has hit television and digital screens this week.

The charity hopes it will inspire people to donate money to help them to continue their remarkable rescues.

The RSPCA’s Join The Christmas Rescue  launches at a time when the charity expects to be busier than ever due to the financial hardships faced by many. 

The charity believes these financial pressures are leading to an increase in pet abandonment and neglect reports.

The charity expects the crisis will worsen this winter as more people tend to struggle with spiralling costs around Christmas time and they are braced for an increase in reports to their emergency line.

Mr Joynes, who features in the video, said: “The puppies were so weak and terrified they had almost given up on life - it was really lucky we were alerted to their plight when we were because I don’t think they would have survived much longer.” 

Both puppies underwent emergency veterinary treatment and it was touch and go whether they would survive. But, against the odds, they pulled through and have since been rehomed with loving families. 

Last year, more than 700 incidents were reported to the charity on Christmas Day alone and frontline officers, vet teams and branch staff continue work every day of the year to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need. 

Anthony added: “Sadly now, during the winter months, we see more people financially struggling which leads to more reports like this.

“But we can make a difference, and with the public’s help if they Join The Christmas Rescue they can support our rescuers,veterinary teams, branches and centre staff who work tirelessly to give animals the urgent treatment and love that will save their lives.

“Please help us this winter and together we will bring joy and safety to animals who need it the most.

“For thousands of terrified and injured animals, we’ll turn the worst suffering into the best Christmas yet – because it will be the one where their lives change forever, and the start of many happier Christmases to come.”

All about Gonsal Farm Animal Centre and the RSPCAFor 200 years, changing animals' lives for the better has been the beating heart of the RSPCA.

The charity works tirelessly to bring animals to safety and give them the expert treatment and the compassion they deserve. 

However, the RSPCA receives almost no government funding, so relies on the generosity of its supporters to continue its work.

Gonsal Farm Animal Centre is nestled in 186 acres of beautiful Shropshire countryside. It opened its doors to the public in 2002.

Since then it has rescued, cared for and rehomed thousands of animals.

A lot of the work includes rehabilitation.Supporters can Join The Christmas Rescue online and - by donating - help the RSPCA be there for animals who have been the victim of neglect and abandonment.