RSPCA is still rescuing and rehoming in Greater Manchester

The RSPCA has reassured animal lovers that it is continuing to rescue and rehome animals, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The animal charity which has a team of frontline officers, 17 animal centres, four wildlife centres and four animal hospitals across England and Wales has put contingency plans in place to cope with the weeks and months ahead.

Chief executive, Chris Sherwood said: “Thanks to our amazing, dedicated and professional team of staff and volunteers, the RSPCA is still rescuing and rehoming animals in these difficult times.

“We are having to change the way we work, but please be assured we are doing everything we can to make sure that we get help to the animals most in need.”

He added: “There is a great deal of anxiety, worry and concern at the moment. Being around animals can bring great pleasure, companionship and mental health benefits, so we hope people will draw comfort from spending time with their pets and watching wildlife to help them through the weeks and months ahead.”

Frontline officers

The RSPCA has frontline officers working around the clock to help animals. Officers are regularly handwashing before and after handling animals, avoiding entering premises and asking people to bring animals to the door where appropriate and keeping their vans clean. They are sanitising their hands whenever they leave their vehicles.

24-hour rescue line

Each year the RSPCA answers more than a million calls from the public concerned about animals. Those looking for advice are encouraged to take a look on online before calling as there is lots of information on there. Those calling with emergencies please be patient, as despite contingency planning, there may be fewer people available to answer calls.

Animals centres

The RSPCA’s 17 nationally run animal centres are still rehoming animals, as is the Rochdale centre, which is not nationally run.

Centres are restricting public access, but anyone looking to rehome an animal can look at the RSPCA website for pets which need adopting and make an appointment to visit if they see one they like.

Extra hygiene measures are in place to protect staff and visitors, but anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 is asked not to visit.

Wildlife centres

Wildlife centre teams are still working around the clock to help rehabilitate and release sick and injured wild animals. Centres are not open to the public for visits. If you find a sick or injured wild animal, please contact the emergency line - 0300 1234 999 for advice on what to do.

If you’ve found a baby animal which appears to be orphaned there’s also advice on the RSPCA website:

• www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/orphanedanimals

Branches, centres and charity shops

There are some 160 RSPCA branches, registered charities in their own right, which are part of the RSPCA family, running vital clinics, rehoming centres and charity shops.

A majority of this incredible work is carried out by volunteers, so there may be changes to local services.

Most are still operating as normal at the moment  but please check their websites, social media channels or call before you visit.

Chris added: “I’m really proud to work alongside such a dedicated team of animal lovers and I’m constantly inspired by their drive to help animals, even in the toughest of times.

“I would ask for people to bear with us over the coming weeks. It’s great to see communities rallying around to support each other during this time and it would be good to see that community spirit extend to local RSPCA animal centres, branches and hospitals.”

There’s still lots of ways you can help the RSPCA:

• Find your local branch, centre or hospital and donate an item from their Amazon wish list: www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/yourlocal
• Sign up as a volunteer
• Support a campaign: www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign
• Sign up for an exciting challenge later this year: www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/events
• Share details of animals looking for homes on social media - loving homes are still needed for them

Many owners are concerned about caring for their pets amid the Coronavirus - or Covid-19 - outbreak. There’s lots of advice and help online:

• www.rspca.org.uk/coronavirus

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please donate online at www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/donate/online, by mobile, or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.