RSPCA rescuers on the road as usual during Christmas and New Year lockdown

Animal rescuers in Wales are continuing to respond to emergencies and cruelty calls during the Christmas and New Year lockdown.

As Wales enters the new alert level four restrictions – the RSPCA said it would continue to deal with emergency calls made to its helpline.

The ongoing work of the animal welfare charity has been made possible as frontline rescuers – along with staff who work in animal centres – are classed as critical workers.

The RSPCA has been bracing itself for a busy festive period – as it received more than 950 calls across England and Wales last Christmas Day – the the highest number since 2013.

It also received 63,000 calls throughout December, or 2,000 a day, making it the busiest Christmas period for at least four years.

In Wales, the charity dealt with 4,171 incidents across the winter period between December and February, with 1,410 in December alone.

Deputy chief inspector for North Wales Phil Lewis – who has worked many Christmas Days over his long RSPCA career – said: “I along with many colleagues across Wales will be working as usual over this festive period – rescuing, caring and rehabilitating those animals who need us the most.

“Christmas is looking very different this year – but we want to reassure people we are out there on the road responding to any animal emergencies while ensuring the highest standards of public safety.

“You never quite know what to expect on Christmas Day – but with a lockdown now in place – we may see more calls from those who are out and about walking or exercising near their homes.

“We are also bracing ourselves for a rise in abandoned and neglected animals needing our help and would urge anyone who is struggling to seek help.”

The new lockdown restrictions in Wales will once again impact the RSPCA’s animal centre at Bryn-Y-Maen in Upper Colwyn Bay as it will have to close to the public with no appointments permitted.

However, staff will continue to provide care for the animals based at the site and take in animals from frontline rescuers.

Remote re-homing can still be undertaken in Wales via a virtual process; with pets delivered to new owners in a Covid-compliant manner by RSPCA staff.

But re-homing which requires cross-border travel to England is not permitted. If you are due to re-home an animal from a centre – please get in touch with staff for guidance.

Charity shops – which are run by RSPCA branches across Wales – have closed in line with other non-essential retail stores.

The lockdown also means that pet owners should only seek treatment for animals if it is urgent.

If you are concerned about an animal, please call the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.