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The animal welfare charity which has a team of frontline officers, 17 animal centres - including RSPCA Sheffield, Stadium Way, Attercliffe - 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.

Staff at the Sheffield branch are still working around the clock to rehome animals, but has advised residents that due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the centre and shops will be closed to the public for the forseeable future.

An RSPCA Sheffield spokesman said: “We are reviewing the situation regularly and following Government guidelines.

A Terrier cross who came into the care of the RSPCA when his owner sadly passed away has been waiting 437 DAYS to find his forever home.

Diefer arrived in the care of RSPCA Sheffield Animal Centre on 21st December 2018 when his owner died.

He was very anxious when he first arrived and as an intelligent and active dog, he needed help from the staff to encourage him to relax. They worked hard to reassure Diefer, spending time with him daily and introducing new ways to have fun, use his brain and enjoy himself. — A Terrier cross who came into the care of the RSPCA when his owner sadly passed away has been waiting 437 DAYS to find his forever home. Diefer arrived in the care of RSPCA Sheffield Animal Centre on 21st December 2018 when his owner died. He was very anxious when he first arrived and as an intelligent and active dog, he needed help from the staff to encourage him to relax. They worked hard to reassure Diefer, spending time with him daily and introducing new ways to have fun, use his brain and enjoy himself.

“We are still very grateful for any donations.

“Please leave any outside the main centre entrance at Stadium Way.”

The branch is also appealing for fundraising help and donations after the virus resulted in a number of upcoming charity events to be cancelled.

A statement on its website – rspcasheffield.org – said: “Due to government guidelines and safety measures, we are unable to hold events, cutting our vital income dramatically and donations are falling.

“The Sheffield Animal Centre needs your help now more than ever.”

Chris Sherwood, RSPCA chief executive, 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.

“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.”

For general enquiries or to make a donation, call 0114 289 8050. If your call relates to an animal welfare emergency, call 0300 123 4999.

RSPCA in Sheffield continues to run lifeline rescue services