RSPCA receives reports of 113 abandoned animals in Greater Manchester during coronavirus lockdown

The RSPCA has received 113 reports of abandoned animals in Greater Manchester during coronavirus lockdown.

The charity 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.

Since the country went into lockdown on 23 March, the RSPCA has had 1,663 incidents of abandonments reported to its cruelty hotline – an average of 40 incidents a day. 

Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA rescue teams, said: “Although much of the country is on lockdown, sadly there are still thousands of animals who need our help, including abandoned pets.

“Many people are finding their pets are a real source of comfort in these anxious times and thankfully cases of abandonment are slightly lower than usual but it’s heart-breaking that some animals are being dumped during this crisis.

“In most cases we don’t know why pets are abandoned but it’s really important to remind people that there is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 can be passed from pets to people.

“There is lots of help and support out there for anyone else struggling to get animal food, with health or behavioural issues, exercising their pets or managing to keep children safe around pets. Please don’t be afraid to ask for help.” 

Two female cats were found abandoned in a cat carrier next to a canal in Rochdale on 3 April. A member of the public found them while out on their daily exercise. They’re both very nervous but are now being taken care of by staff at RSPCA Rochdale. 

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/133941/rspca-rescues-cats-abandoned-by-canal

Since the government introduced the lockdown measures, the RSPCA has responded to more than 27,000 incidents, with 1,600 incidents of abandoned animals reported. The number of animals being cared for by the RSPCA at centres, hospitals and vet surgeries has also grown by hundreds.

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:

• www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/latest/news/details/-/articleName/rspca-urges-owners-to-make-a-pet-care-plan

If you are able to support the work of the Rochdale RSPCA branch during the Coronavirus crisis you can do so here:

• www.justgiving.com/campaign/Covid19RSPCA