An animal rescue charity highlighted its hard work responded to numerous calls including allegations of dog beating and pet abandonments in Watford.

The RSPCA showcased its hard work to the Watford MP Dean Russell on Friday, July 21, when he accompanied one of the charity’s officers on the frontline.

It came the same week as the RSPCA marked its 'busiest day' – the day which the charity's emergency line statistically receives the most calls from concerned members of the public.

On Tuesday, July 18, the charity received 4,060 calls to its cruelty line.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Nick Jonas, who showed Mr Russell the ropes, said: "It was fantastic to be able to show Dean Russell MP the work of the RSPCA on the frontline - and the challenges some pet owners and animals face across his constituency, so I'm so grateful he found the time to join us and support our work.

Watford Observer: Dean Russell spent the day with RSPCA animal rescue officer Nick Jonas responding to call outs across Watford.Dean Russell spent the day with RSPCA animal rescue officer Nick Jonas responding to call outs across Watford. (Image: RSPCA)

"Summer is a really busy time for us - and calls to our emergency line peak at six every single minute at this time of year. 

"We're proud to be on the frontline for animals in Watford; as well as working closely with other agencies locally to achieve so much together for animal welfare.” 

The animal welfare charity works closely with politicians from across the political spectrum, and its recent Animal Kindness Index found that 83 per cent of the public believes animal welfare should be protected by the government through legislation, which rises to 85 per cent for the South East of England.

Watford Observer: Dean Russell and Nick JonasDean Russell and Nick Jonas (Image: RSPCA)

Following the visit, Mr Russell said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to join Nick, an RSPCA inspector on patrol in Watford today and witness for myself the critical work they do to protect and care for animals.

“The RSPCA's commitment to ensuring that all animals can live free from pain and suffering aligns with my own values and aspirations for animal welfare.

“I have spoken in Parliament on a number of occasions on animal welfare issues, and I am pleased that the campaign to bring an end to Trophy Hunting is currently going through Parliament.”