RSPCA deals with 1,500 incidents in West Midlands and Staffordshire since start of lockdown
The RSPCA has dealt with more than 1,500 animal incidents in the West Midlands and Staffordshire since the coronavirus lockdown.
Nationally, the charity has dealt with more than 21,000 incidents – an average of 660 a day, or 27 an hour.
The RSPCA has released the figures as part of its emergency appeal, launched to keep its rescue teams out on the road during the Covid-19 crisis 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 their frontline staff continue their crucial work across England and Wales.
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Since the Government announced the lockdown on Monday, March 23, 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 and there are currently 4,200 animals in the RSPCA's care. The RSPCA has also rescued more than 1,274 abandoned animals in need.
In the West Midlands alone, the RSPCA has dealt with 1,111 incidents. The charity's Birmingham Animal Centre is continuing to look after animals during the crisis and currently has 110 animals in its care.
Incidents include a fox cub who got his front paws tangled in netting in Birmingham. He was rescued by an officer who carefully removed the netting and took him to a wildlife centre to be treated.
Dumped
In Staffordshire, the RSPCA has dealt with 450 incidents. Incidents in Staffordshire since the start of lockdown include a cat who was found injured in Stafford after getting his paw caught in a spring trap.
Inspectors have also been dealing with sad incidents including the discovery of a dog’s body dumped in a bin bag in a pond outside Hanley Football Club in Stoke-on-Trent.
Dermot Murphy, chief inspectorate officer at the RSPCA, 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.”
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.
To support the RSPCA during the coronavirus crisis visit rspca.org.uk/covid
