It cost more than £200,000 to feed the dogs in RSPCA care last year. This is why the RSPCA is highlighting the importance of legacies this Giving Tuesday (November 27).

Giving Tuesday is the time of year when we are encouraged to think about what we can give back to charities. Even if you can’t make a donation today, leaving a legacy means you can make a lasting impact to animals. Legacies are the lifeblood of charities and helps to fund more than half of the RSPCA’s vital work.

In 2017, the charity collected and rescued 7,669 dogs in England and Wales. On average, it costs the RSPCA £36 to feed a dog in its care whilst they look for their forever home which means that last year it cost £276,084* to feed rescued dogs across England and Wales.

Jessica Taylor Bayliss, RSPCA’s Head of Legacy Marketing, said: “Generous gifts in Wills are vital in ensuring that last year we were able to care for more than 7,000 dogs.

“At this time of year after the retail rush of Black Friday, Giving Tuesday is a chance to think about how we can give something back to charities. There are lots of ways to support the RSPCA but leaving a lasting legacy is a powerful way to help animals, just like Stella, for many years to come.”

Five-year-old Stella is a friendly and playful staffy who came into the RSPCA as her previous owner could no longer care for her. She is currently waiting for her home at RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre.

Dogs are just one of the many animals the RSPCA cares for with more than 114,000 animals rescued each year from bearded dragons to horses.

For more information on leaving a legacy this Giving Tuesday, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/leavealegacy