Coronavirus: RSPCA reassuring animal lovers it's business as usual despite pandemic

The RSPCA is vowing to carry on rescue and rehome animals despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The rescue organisation, which owns Hope Cattery in Brixworth and a list of charity shops county-wide, has put contingency plans in place to cope with the weeks and months ahead.

Chief executive, Chris Sherwood, said: “Thanks to our amazing, dedicated and professional team of staff and volunteers, the RSPCA is still rescuing and rehoming animals in these difficult times.

“We are having to change the way we work, but please be assured we are doing everything we can to make sure that we get help to the animals most in need.

"Those calling our 24-hour rescue line with emergencies please be patient as, despite contingency planning, we may have fewer people available to answer calls.

“There is a great deal of anxiety, worry and concern at the moment. Being around animals can bring great pleasure, companionship and mental health benefits, so we hope people will draw comfort from spending time with their pets and watching wildlife to help them through the weeks and months ahead."

The RSPCA has a team of frontline officers, 17 animals centres, four wildlife centres and four animal hospitals across England and Wales, working around the clock to help animals.

Those officers are stepping up hygeine regimes, avoiding entering premises and asking people to bring animals to the door where appropriate and keeping their vans clean.

And officials are asking those looking for advice to check the RSPCA website before calling as there is lots of information on there.

The Hope Cattery is one of the RSPCA’s 17 national centres. All of the centres are restricting public access but anyone looking to rehome an animal can look at the RSPCA website for pets which need adopting and make an appointment to visit if they see one they like.

RSPCA hospital teams are still working to help sick and injured animals but will be dealing with emergencies on an appointment basis only.

Mr Sherwood added: “I would ask for people to bear with us over the coming weeks. It’s great to see communities rallying around to support each other during this time and it would be good to see that community spirit extend to local RSPCA animal centres, branches and hospitals.”