85 pets abandoned in Lancashire during lockdown according to RSPCA

The RSPCA has received around 85 reports of abandoned animals in Lancashire since lockdown began on March 23.

Across England and Wales the charity's cruelty hotline has responded to 1,663 incidents of abandonments between March 23 and May 3 - an average of 40 incidents a day.

The charity has released the figures as part of its emergency appeal, launched to keep its rescue teams out on the road so they can continue to rescue animals in need during the coronavirus crisis.

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 their crucial work.

Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA rescue teams, said: "Although much of the country is on lockdown, sadly there are still thousands of animals who need our help, including abandoned pets.

"Many people are finding their pets are a real source of comfort in these anxious times and thankfully cases of abandonment are slightly lower than usual but it’s heartbreaking that some animals are being dumped during this crisis.

"In most cases we don’t know why pets are abandoned but it’s really important to remind people that there is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 can be passed from pets to people."

The RSCPA is urging owners not to be afraid to ask for help, adding there is lots of support out there for anyone who is struggling to get animal food, with health or behavioural issues, exercising their pets or keeping their children safe around pets.

Since the Government introduced the lockdown measures, the RSPCA has responded to more than 27,000 incidents, with 1,600 of these relating to abandoned animals.

The number of animals being cared for by the RSPCA at centres, hospitals and vet surgeries has also grown by hundreds.

Since lockdown began:

- RSPCA rescuers have dealt with 27,507 incidents of animal cruelty, neglect and suffering animals which need help

- The charity has received more than 92,800 calls from members of the public

- There are more than 4,300 animals in RSPCA care

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.

If you are concerned about caring for your pets amid the Covid-19 outbreak, there’s lots of advice and help on the RSPCA's website HERE.

To help the RSPCA to continue rescuing animals like these and keep their animal hospitals and centres during these unprecedented times, please donate whatever you can at www.rspca.org.uk/covid.