RSPCA rescuers dealt with 382 incidents in Lincolnshire since start of lockdown

The charity has released the figures as part of its emergency appeal, launched to keep its rescue teams out on the road during the Coronavirus 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 the RSPCA’s frontline staff continue this crucial work across England and Wales.

RSPCA rescuers have recorded vlogs to show what it’s like working on the frontline, in RSPCA animal hospitals and in animal centres during lockdown.

Since the Government announced the lockdown on Tuesday, March 24:

• 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

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

In Lincolnshire, the RSPCA has dealt with 382 incidents - including three rabbits abandoned by the side of the road in Bardney.

Animal Collection Officer (ACO) Sharon Knight collected the rabbits on Monday, April 13, in Wragby Road.

She said: “These rabbits had been left inside a box by the side of the road with no food or water.

“We understand that everyone is going through a difficult time at the moment but we would urge any owners who are struggling to care for their pets to please contact family and friends for help, rather than abandoning them like this.

“Thankfully, these are three healthy rabbits and they are now being cared for until they can be rehomed.”

The tan lop female, a black and white lop female and black and white dutch male rabbit are now getting some much-needed care and attention.

The RSPCA continues to care for 4,200 other animals nationally during lockdown.

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 past month, 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. The poster can be downloaded here

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, please donate whatever you can spare here