New figures reveal that 40 animals have been abandoned across Staffordshire since the coronavirus lockdown began.
The RSPCA released data as part of new emergency appeal to help keep the organisation running as many traditional fundraising activities are unable to take place.
Since lockdown was introduced on 23rd March, the charity has seen 1,600 reports of animals being abandoned across the UK, with 40 of them coming from Staffordshire.
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 heartbreaking 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.”
Dermot Murphy, RSPCA
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 animals inside.
