RSPCA deals with 135 incidents in Cumbria since lockdown

The RSPCA has dealt with more than 130 incidents across Cumbria since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.

Like nurses, police officers and delivery drivers, the charity's rescuers are classed as key workers but need vital funding to continue to save animals from the worst cruelty and neglect.

An emergency fundraising appeal has been launched to help it continue their work while the country deals with the pandemic.

Since March 23, when the Government announced the lockdown, the RSPCA has dealt with more than 21,000 animal incidents - an average of 660 a day, or 27 an hour and 135 of those incidents have been in Cumbria.

Credit: RSPCA

They say they are continuing to care for 4,200 animals 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.”

Credit: PA

The animal charity is 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.

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