Hundreds of cases dealt with by RSPCA in East Sussex since coronavirus lockdown

The RSPCA has dealt with hundreds of cases in the county since the start of lockdown last month due to the coronavirus crisis.
Mallydams in Fairlight, near Hastings. File photoMallydams in Fairlight, near Hastings. File photo
Mallydams in Fairlight, near Hastings. File photo

In the month since the start of the lockdown, the charity has handled more than 21,000 incidents of animal cruelty and suffering animals across the UK, which is an average of 660 a day, or 27 an hour.

In East Sussex, the charity has dealt with 306 incidents since the start of lockdown, equivalent to more than 10 a day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The charity’s wildlife centre, RSPCA Mallydams, near Hastings has 62 animals in its care.

The RSPCA has released the figures as part of its emergency appeal, launched to keep its rescue teams out on the road during the coronavirus crisis and continuing to rescue animals most in need.

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 this crucial work across England and Wales.

RSPCA rescuers have recorded vlogs to show what it is like working on the frontline, in RSPCA animal hospitals and in animal centres during lockdown.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

RSPCA Animal Hospital teams are carrying out lifesaving operations and giving emergency treatment to animals most in need.

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.

To donate to the charity, visit www.rspca.org.uk/covid.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.