RSPCA Cymru dealing with more than 50 callouts a day since lockdown began

RSPCA Cymru are dealing with more than 50 callouts a day during lockdown.

The animal welfare charity has taken on 1,641 animal welfare incidents in the month following the beginning of lockdown.

They are appealing for urgent funds to keep officers on the road, with Cardiff, Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf the busiest areas in Wales.

In total, across England and Wales, RSPCA rescuers have dealt with more than 20,000 animal welfare incidents between March 23 and April 23.

One of the recent rescues involved two baby wild mice who were saved from behind a shed in Cardiff. The pair went on to be hand-reared at the home of one of the RSPCA officers so as to avoid travel to a wildlife centre.

The orphaned duo were fed milk from a pipette after they were discovered by a member of the public who was pulling down the shed.

Two baby mice were rescued from behind a shed and then hand-reared by the RSPCA. Credit: RSPCA Cymru

In Crumlin, the RSPCA rescued a swan at Pen-y-fan Pond after it became entangled in fishing wire. Fortunately, the swan was not injured by the line but the RSPCA say the animal was at “serious risk" of harm.

Lockdown restrictions mean people should not be out hobby fishing but the line could have been discarded before lockdown.

Wildlife caught in fishing wires may suffer a slow death due to starvation, while discarded hooks and weights can also cause serious and even fatal injuries.

Wildlife caught in fishing wires may suffer a slow death due to starvation. Credit: RSPCA Cymru
RSPCA officers were called out to help a swan that was tangled in fishing wire. Credit: RSPCA Cymru

RSPCA animal centres in Newport and Bryn-Y-Maen are currently closed to the public due to the Covid-19 crisis but they are still providing care for 170 animals - including dogs, cats, rabbits and other domestic animals.

The charity say vital funding is needed to help the RSPCA’s frontline staff continue this work.

Martyn Hubbard, RSPCA Cymru superintendent, said: “Animal cruelty has not stopped for the coronavirus. There are still countless animals across the country in urgent need of help - and these new figures show, since the lockdown, our rescuers have been supporting animals in all parts of Wales.

“Our resources are under huge strain and vital funding is needed to keep our rescue teams out on the road, and our centres and veterinary services providing for animals.

“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."

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RSPCA animal centres in Newport and Bryn-Y-Maen are currently closed to the public due to the Covid-19 crisis but they are still providing care for 170 animals. Credit: Sean Dempsey/PA Images

Many charities are concerned about funding their vital work during the pandemic. They have had to close their charity shops and cancel fundraising events meaning huge loss in income.

Children's hospice Tŷ Hafan predict a potential income loss of more than £2 million this year.

Welsh Government have announced £24m in support for charities and the third sector across Wales through their Third Sector Covid-19 Response Fund.