MORE than 40 abandoned animals in Cheshire have been reported to the RSPCA since lockdown began.

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 their crucial work.

As part of its emergency appeal, the RSPCA has revealed that it has received 41 reports of abandoned animals across Cheshire since lockdown began on March 23.

As of Monday evening, the charity had 1,663 incidents of abandonment reported to its cruelty hotline nationwide – 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 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.”

Nationally, RSPCA rescuers have dealt with 27,507 incidents of animal cruelty, neglect and suffering since lockdown began, received more than 92,800 calls from the public and is caring for more than 4,300 animals.

Meanwhile, the RSPCA is 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.

For more information visit rspca.org.uk/covid