RSPCA End of Year Newsletter

Written by on 15 January 2026.

An end of year message from the CEO

As this year draws to a close, it seems fitting to reflect on the work that we as your local Branch of the RSPCA carried out over the course of 2022. From rabbits to rheas, goats to gerbils and (a lot more than two) turtle doves, we’ve seen it all this year…

At this time last year many of us would have been looking back on the impact of the pandemic and looking forward with the hope that 2022 would be a much better year. Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine and the subsequent impact on the cost of living added an additional financial strain on many people.

We are nothing if not adaptable, and over the course of the year, the Branch has dealt with an unprecedented volume of requests for assistance from members of the public, ranging from financial aid towards veterinary costs and/or subsidised neutering, to people who sadly were no longer in a position to keep their animals, to people who simply could not afford to even feed their animals.

At the time of writing, we have had our busiest year ever, with over 700 animals being accepted into Branch care, and over 600 animals so far being adopted into loving new homes, which is something that we are very proud and privileged to be able to do. Alongside this, our Animal Welfare Team has issued hundreds of subsidised veterinary welfare and neutering vouchers to members of the public to ease the pressure on people looking after their animals in the face of challenging financial circumstances. We have also been supporting the foodbanks in Norfolk and Suffolk with regular deliveries of animal food for pet owners to use, and we have been supplying our fellow animal welfare organisations with additional food to enable them to continue to do the fantastic work that they do too.

We recognise that bringing about positive animal welfare change is an issue that the RSPCA cannot solve on our own, so in conjunction with our animal welfare colleagues from the Cats Protection Dereham Adoption Centre and Norwich Lost & Found Cats, the Branch ran our first subsidised microchipping event since the start of the pandemic. This was a big success with many cats, dogs and rabbits being implanted with microchips on the day. This is the start of several joint initiatives being carried out in the future, and we pledge to continue this partnership working throughout 2023 and beyond.

Whilst frontline animal welfare will always remain at the core of the work the RSPCA carries out, we also increased our education and awareness work following a pause during the pandemic, with a primary focus on educating the public about good animal welfare and the work that we as your local Branch carry out. This has been very popular with audiences across the 2,500 square miles that we cover and we are confident that this proactive approach is having the desired effect of promoting the animal welfare message that is necessary to impact true positive change.

All our animal welfare and education efforts require significant funding to undertake and we are so grateful to the tireless work of our seven shops for their amazing efforts in generating much-needed income, along with the generous support that we receive from the public. Without the continued efforts from our dedicated Income Generation Team and the wonderful generosity of our supporters, we would not be able to achieve anywhere near as much as we have for the animals across Norfolk and Suffolk – thank you all so much.

To all our supporters and to the staff, volunteers and Trustees that make up the team here at the RSPCA Mid Norfolk & North Suffolk Branch – have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – we look forward to helping even more animals in 2023!

Gregory Brown
Chief Executive Officer

Record year for animals finding a home!

It’s been a very busy year for the Branch with lots of animals needing our help!

We’ve helped everything from cats and dogs to rabbits, mice, goats, guinea pigs, chickens, ferrets, peacocks and giant African Land Snails! And amazingly, we have rehomed more animals as a Branch than ever before.

As of 1st December, we have found homes for 605 animals! Below, is just a small selection of them,can you spot your newest family member?

‘Reindeer’ kittens dumped in a field three weeks before Christmas

Sadly, just a few weeks before Christmas, our team was recently called out to help with nine cats and kittens which were handed into a vet after being found abandoned in a field.

The nine cats, mostly kittens from various litters and a very worn out Mum, were found in crates by a member of the public who soon alerted the local veterinary practice.

Our Animal Welfare team were quick on the case, ensuring that all of the cats received veterinary treatment and were checked over for signs of neglect and abuse.

Thank you everyone who came and supported us at the Hockwold Hall and Norwich Forum events! We will provide full updates on our festive events in the January newsletter.

Our final event of 2022 is a Canine Carol Concert – bark the canine angels sing!
Venue: Holkham HallDate: Tuesday 20^th DecemberTime: 10.00am – 2.00pmThe concert takes place between 10.00am and 11.00am on the lawn outside the Hall, then there will be stalls to browse until 2.00pm in the Courtyard. Bring your pooch, enjoy the carols, browse the stalls then maybe enjoy a walk around the beautiful Holkham Estate. (Parking charge applies). Details on the Holkham Hall website.

Adoption Star Catch Up

This month we are catching up with the owners of a gorgeous cat called Pula who was adopted from our Branch in March of this year!

Pula came into our care as part of a multi-animal household after her owner was found to be keeping them illegally after being banned from keeping them. She and her siblings needed a lot of love and care when they came to us as all of them had medical issues from being neglected.

This lovely lady along with her previous housemates all landed on their feet, however and soon found a second chance of happiness in a new, safe home. Pula has been living in her new home for over six months now and her new family couldn’t be happier!

Pula has settled in really well. She no longer bounces off our bed at 1.00am. Pula loves her brush first thing in the morning, from Daddy, before he gets himself washed and dressed.
At around 9.30pm, she starts looking for a game with Mr Duck, who she knows is kept in Mummy’s desk drawer. If we stop playing with her, with Mr Duck, she picks him up and carries him across the room, meowing all the time, bless her. Pula is a very intelligent pussycat and very obedient, and an absolute joy.

Keeping your pet safe at Christmas

The festive season can be an exciting time for all including our four-legged companions. Here’s some advice to keep your pets safe and happy.

Christmas food

Festive food is delicious to us, but to our pets, much of it is highly toxic and dangerous. Avoid giving your pets these foods as treats as it can make them unwell:

Chocolate
Mince pies
Christmas pudding
Onion gravy
Alcohol
Bones from carcasses – these are a dangerous choking hazard

Christmas decorations and trees

Some festive plants and flowers can be toxic to pets, including poinsettias, holly, ivy, mistletoe and lilies, so avoid buying these if you have pets.

Tinsel and wrapping paper might be tempting for your pet to play with, but make sure they don’t eat it.

From children to adults, we all love a Christmas tree, but they can cause problems for our pets. It’s best to only allow your pets around the tree when you can keep a close eye on them, because:

Hanging edible decorations, such as chocolate, are poisonous to dogs and can make them seriously ill

Cats and dogs might be tempted to chew or play with fairy lights or hanging tree decorations

Keeping pets safe in cold weather

With darker nights and colder days, we want you and your pets to stay safe and warm this winter. Read our top tips and find out how you can keep your pets happy and comfortable.

Walking dogs in winter

Stay safe when walking your dog in the dark. Wear reflective clothing and think about a reflective collar or light for your dog’s collar. A good torch is also a must-have to light the way for you both!
If you have an elderly or sickly dog, buy a special coat or jumper to keep them warm.
Keep dogs away from ponds and lakes that are iced over – thin ice may break under a dog’s weight.
If it’s snowing outside, watch out for your dogs’ paws becoming compacted with snow, which is uncomfortable for them.

Be aware that antifreeze and rock salt can be poisonous to pets. Wash their paws thoroughly after walking your dog in areas that may have been gritted with rock salt.

Keeping cats safe and warm

In the coldest months, it’s important that your cat has access to a warm environment, such as your home or another heated indoor area.
Check your feline friend’s bedding is away from cold draughts and stays warm and dry.
Microchipping your cat is important as they might try to find somewhere warm nearby, which might not be the safest place for them. Ensure the details are up to date, so that they can be traced back to you.

Check under your car for sleeping cats. In the winter months, it’s not uncommon to find outdoor cats seeking shelter underneath your car. Before setting off, make sure you tap the bonnet of your car and check around the wheels and on top of the tyres before you start the engine and drive.

Rabbits and guinea pigs

Outdoor pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, need extra bedding such as dust-free hay in the winter months. Keep their home protected from bad weather by using blankets or covers, to help insulate hutches in the winter months. Remember to make sure they’re still well-ventilated.
Keep your pets dry in rainy weather by making sure the indoor area of their enclosure has a sloped roof to allow water to drain away. Raise it off the ground by at least four inches and place it in a sheltered position, facing away from wind and rain.

As the temperature drops, you could move their enclosure into an outhouse shed or unused garage. If you decide to bring your rabbits or guinea pigs indoors, they’ll need plenty of time and room to exercise in a safe and secure environment.

Charity Christmas Cards

Christmas cards are available to purchase in all our charity shops or online via our eBay shop We have lots of lovely animal themed designs to choose from, all cards are recyclable and 100% of the proceeds go to our branch.

Petplan Advent Calendar

The Petplan Advent Calendar is back!

Throughout December, there’ll be twenty four doors to open full of exciting prizes, goodies and competitions! On the 7th and 13th December, you’ll also be able to nominate our Branch to win a £1000 donation!

This money will make a huge impact for the animals in our care and enable us to give them all a very Merry Christmas indeed so please remember to nominate us!

Christmas Opening Hours

Ashwellthorpe HQ

Our Branch office will be closing at midday on Thursday 22nd December for the Christmas holidays.

To report an animal that is sick, injured or distressed please contact the National RSPCA Cruelty Line on 0300 1234 999.

Our shops

Saturday 24th December – closing at 3.00pm

Christmas Day – CLOSED

Boxing Day – CLOSED

Tuesday 27th December – CLOSED

Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th and Friday 30th December – all open as usual

Saturday 31st December – closing at 3.00pm

Sunday 1 Jan – CLOSED

Monday 2 Jan – CLOSED

Tuesday 3rd January – all open as usual