More Than 1,200 Animal Rescues In West Sussex By RSPCA

The RSPCA's key workers have responded to 100,000 incidents during the lockdown, with more than 1,200 of those taking place in West Sussex. 

The animal welfare charity's frontline officers, animal carers, and vets have continued to rescue, treat, and care for animals in need since the country went into lockdown on 23 March. 

During lockdown (March 24 - August 5), the RSPCA answered 442,344 calls and dealt with 106,676 incidents - that's an average of 790 incidents a day. 

In West Sussex, officers have responded to 1,270 incidents - an average of nine a day. 

Incidents included a fallow fawn who had fallen down a steep muddy bank and was left unable to get back up unaided. 

Local paddleboarders reported the incident on the River Ouse to the RSPCA, who dispatched an officer to retrieve the fawn and reunite it with its mum. 

Another included a fox cub stuck between two walls in Worthing.

RSPCA inspector Andrew Kirby responded to the call on April 30 after the home-owners heard the cub crying, freeing the cub and taking her to the local Fox Project. 

The charity's staff were quickly designated as key workers so they could continue to respond to emergencies and rescue animals from cruelty and neglect, and the organisation quickly responded to changing procedures and protocols in light of the global pandemic. 

Dermot Murphy, Chief Inspectorate Officer, 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. 

"But 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.

"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 really need your help." 

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals and keep our animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care through these unprecedented times, please donate whatever you can spare at www.rspca.org.uk/covid.