RSPCA have responded to 578 incidents in South Yorkshire since start of lockdown

The charity has released the figures as part of its emergency appeal, launched to keep its rescue teams out on the road during the coronavirus crisis and continuing to rescue animals most in need.

Animal rescuers at the charity have been designated key workers by the government, but the RSPCA says vital funding is needed to help its frontline staff continue their crucial work.

In South Yorkshire, the RSPCA has dealt with 579 incidents, including helping an injured swan spotted with blood running from a wound on her neck from a dog attack on the River Rother at Woodhouse Mill, on April 9.

RSPCA chief inspector Lynsey Harris said: “The swan had been sat on a nest and is part of a mating pair who live on the river.

“She was rescued by our team and officers from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue before being examined by Peak Vets.

“Two puncture wounds were found, which were cleaned before antibiotics were given and she was released back on the water.”

A hedgehog was rescued on April 20 after becoming stuck two feet down a drain in Rotherham.

A passer-by called the RSPCA after her dogs alerted her to the trapped animal in the drain on Shelley Road.

Liz Braidley, an RSPCA animal welfare officer and one of the RSPCA’s specialist wildlife officers, said: “He was about 2ft down the drain, so it was a difficult rescue, as I could only just reach him with my fingertips. It took a good 15 minutes of gentle wriggling with some tongs to get him out.

“His breathing was raspy, he was cold and wouldn’t uncurl so I was quite concerned. I took him to a local veterinary practice for a check up and they kept him for monitoring overnight.

“Luckily he was given a clean bill of health and I released him at dusk the following day, although he didn’t seem to be in any rush to go!”

Nationally the RSPCA is caring for 4,200 animals during lockdown.

To find out how you can donate visit www.rspca.org.uk/covid