RSPCA launches SOS for funding after tackling 1,700 incidents in Derbyshire amid lockdown

This oil-covered swan was rescued from a contaminated pond near Derby.

The rescues have included a family of swans and two coots that were saved from a pond contaminated with oil. Officers rescued the oil-covered birds from Stenson Fields, near Derby and took them the charity’s wildlife centre in Cheshire for a clean-up.

RSPCA workers in Derbyshire have handled an average of 13 incidents a day since lockdown came into effect in March.

As well as rescuing animals in need, 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 their pets.

The charity’s animal rescuers were designated key workers by the government at the start of lockdown so they could continue to respond to emergencies and save animals from cruelty and neglect.

But finances have taken a big hit as a result of the global pandemic and vital funding is needed to help the RSPCA continue caring for the 6,381 animals under its wing in England and Wales.

Dermot Murphy, chief inspectorate officer, said: “The priority for us during lockdown has been to continue to be there for those animals who need us - while also helping people who have been hit hard by the pandemic.

“Now, more than four months into lockdown, we’ve passed a milestone as we responded to our 100,000th incident. And our staff are as busy as ever collecting abandoned animals, investigating complaints of cruelty, providing life-saving veterinary treatment to the sick and injured, and finding wonderful new homes for our residents.

“But to continue our vital work and to survive the huge impact this pandemic has had on the economy and, therefore, the charity sector, we need your help. Please donate whatever you can spare at www.rspca.org.uk/covid.”

The charity has had to respond to changing procedures and protocols in light of the global pandemic. Mr Murphy said: “We’ve had to quickly and drastically change the way we work during these unprecedented times, from the way we rehome animals to the PPE we wear when responding to calls.”