A wild muntjac deer, trapped in a metal gate in Bedford, is just one of over a thousand animals RSPCA officers have helped during lockdown.
The charity’s staff were designated as key workers so they could continue to respond to emergencies and rescue animals from cruelty and neglect once lockdown started on 23 March.
This included collecting animals from the homes of people who were admitted to hospital with coronavirus, and didn’t have anyone else to care for them.
“We’ve had to quickly and drastically change the way we work during these unprecedented times, from the way we re-home animals to the PPE we wear when responding to calls,” said Dermot Murphy, Chief Inspectorate Officer
“But the priority for us during lockdown has been to continue to be there for those animals who need us – while also helping people who have been hit hard by the pandemic.
Nationally the RSPCA has responded to 100,000 calls, with staff continuing to collect abandoned animals, investigate complaints of cruelty, and provide life-saving veterinary treatment.
They have also re-homed 5,723 animals
“But to continue our vital work and to survive the huge impact this pandemic has had on the economy and, therefore, the charity sector, we really need your help,” added Dermot.
The charity is now asking people to help support their work with donations to at rspca.org.uk/covid.
