RSPCA called to more than 350 suffering animals in Northants since lockdown began

Since the national lockdown began last month, the RSPCA in Northamptonshire has dealt with more than 350 incidents involving animal cruelty or suffering.

The charity’s animal rescuers are key workers and have been called to a considerable amount of local incidents since March 23.

In Northamptonshire alone, the RSPCA has dealt with 385 incidents, including a case of hedgehogs being burnt alive in Daventry.Nationally, the charity has been called to 21,137 incidents since the lockdown was imposed and now has around 4,200 animals in its care.

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 last three weeks, 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.”

RSPCA has released the lockdown figures as part of its emergency appeal, launched to keep its rescue teams out on the road during the pandemic.

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.

The charity is asking animal lovers to give whatever they can to help their rescue mission during this time. Donations can be made on the RSPCA website.

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