The RSPCA has launched an emergency appeal to help keep Stapeley Grange centre in Nantwich and others saving animals during the Coronavirus pandemic crisis.
Animal rescuers at the charity are key workers but vital funding is needed to keep them out on the road rescuing animals from cruelty and neglect.
Although RSPCA centres have closed to the public, including Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich, the charity continues to provide vital care to thousands of animals across England and Wales.
Stapeley Grange on London Road is currently caring for 27 cats and dozens of wild animals and is expecting more to come into its care in the coming weeks as its rescue teams bring in more animals in need.
And now the charity is facing a huge financial battle due to the damaging effect of the pandemic on its fundraising income.
The RSPCA national emergency appeal is being supported by comedian and animal lover Ricky Gervais.
He said: “It is really important for us all to pull together to help each other at this difficult time and someone needs to be there for animals, too.
“I would urge people to give whatever they can spare at this really difficult time to support the RSPCA so they can stay out on the frontline rescuing the animals who need them most.
“They are facing huge challenges through this crisis, but their amazing staff are committed to being there for animals in danger in any way they can and they can only do it with your help.”
Last year, RSPCA rescuers dealt with 3,485 welfare incidents in Cheshire.
The teams are continuing an emergency-only service through the lockdown period.
Dermot Murphy, Head of the RSPCA Rescue Teams, said: “This is a time of national crisis, and many of us are anxious about the future and our loved ones.
“This crisis has touched all areas of life and the RSPCA is no different.
“As we all face the biggest challenge of a generation, the RSPCA must continue to be on the frontline, rescuing and caring for the animals who need us most.
“Our rescuers, vets and nurses have been designated key workers by the Government which means we can carry on saving animals from cruelty and neglect and we rely entirely on generous public donations to deliver our vital services.
“We are facing immense challenges and huge pressures on strained resources, but our hugely dedicated teams are out there dealing with emergencies and our centres continue to deliver vital care to thousands of animals, with more expected in the coming weeks.
“We know that this is a difficult time for everyone but we must still be there for the animals who are suffering and we are appealing for animal lovers to give whatever they can to help us.”
Since the crisis deepened at the beginning of March, the charity’s animal cruelty line has received nearly 60,000 calls.
These include this fox cub which was so young her eyes were still closed has been rescued and is now being hand-reared at Stapeley Grange.
To help and donate, visit www.rspca.org.uk/covid
For advice on pet care during the pandemic visit https://www.rspca.org.uk/coronavirus
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