Animal charity pleads for help as it tackles lockdown rescues – including 35 ducklings trying to cross Wessex Way

IT IS a service which has kept going during the coronavirus outbreak – but has been largely forgotten.

Since the start of the lockdown the RSPCA has dealt with more than 21,000 incidents – an average of 660 a day.

Designated as key workers, its inspectors have continued to work day and night to rescue sick, injured and neglected animals.

The charity is now appealing for help so it can keep its teams out on the road during Covid-19 lockdown. Among the creatures it has rescued was a stray kitten found with a serious wound and a pheasant which had been stuck in a car grille for eight days.

In Hampshire one of the 578 callouts involved helping Norbert the elderly seal who was injured. Inspectors managed to get Norbert treatment and he is now recovering.

In Dorset the charity dealt with 269 incidents including the rescue of three groups of ducklings all of which were found trying to cross the Wessex Way. There were 35 in total, and no accompanying adult duck. They are now being cared for at the RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre.

The charity has also been dealing with pets whose owners feel unable to care for them during the lockdown.

They have been collected and taken into foster care. The RSPCA is advising people to put posters in their windows informing of any pets inside in case they are taken to hospital.

Dermot Murphy, chief inspectorate officer, said: “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.

“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.”

To donate visit www.rspca.org.uk/covid