RSPCA called to over 200 incidents in Hertfordshire since lockdown started

The RSPCA reveals that it has dealt with 283 incidents in Hertfordshire since the start of lockdown, as it appeals for the public's help in keeping its rescue teams out on the road during the coronavirus crisis.

The charity has released the figures as part of its emergency appeal, to keep the teams on the roads and continuing to rescue animals most in need.

Animal rescuers at the charity have been designated key workers by the government but vital funding is needed to help the RSPCA’s frontline staff continue this crucial work across England and Wales.

Local RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith has also created a vlog talking about continuing to work on the frontline during the coronavirus crisis.

In Hertfordshire the RSPCA has dealt with 283 incidents. Among the incidents include a fox cub who was stuck down a 12ft-deep well in Welwyn (pictured). He was safely rescued by an RSPCA officer and released back to the wild.

Since the Government announced the lockdown on Monday 23 March:

- RSPCA rescuers have dealt with 21,137 incidents of animal cruelty and suffering animals which need help

- The charity has received more than 66,000 calls from members of the public

- There are 4,200 animals in RSPCA care, as of April 26

- The charity has rescued more than 1,274 abandoned animals in need.

Dermot Murphy, Chief Inspectorate Officer, said: “Despite the lockdown, there are still thousands of animals which need our help.

“As designated key workers, our frontline rescuers are still out and about rescuing animals in urgent need of care.

"The Coronavirus crisis hasn't put a stop to animal suffering and these figures show there are still many animals out there that need rescuing.

"Our rescuers have dealt with over 21,000 incidents in the last three weeks, an average of 660 a day and there are many more animals who need our help.

"However, our resources are under huge strain and vital funding is needed to keep our rescue teams out on the road.

“We know that this is a difficult time for everyone but we must still be here for animals who are suffering and we are appealing for animal lovers to give whatever they can to help us.”

As well as operating an emergency service, rescuing animals in need, RSPCA officers have also been collecting animals from the homes of people who have been admitted to hospital with Covid-19, who may not have anyone else to care for them while their owners are being treated.

RSPCA Animal Hospital teams are carrying out lifesaving operations and giving emergency treatment to animals most in need.

The RSPCA is also urging pet-owners to make an emergency pet-care plan should they be admitted to hospital with coronavirus, including placing a poster in the window informing people that there are pets inside.

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals like these and keep our animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care through these unprecedented times, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/covid.

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