RSPCA Cymru is today launching an emergency appeal to keep its rescue teams out on the frontline across Wales saving animals through the coronavirus crisis.

The emergency appeal is being supported by comedian Ricky Gervais, as the RSPCA looks to continue to rescue animals from the worst cruelty and neglect amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

Rescuers at the charity have been designated key workers by the Welsh Government - but vital funding is needed to keep them out on the road.

Although RSPCA centres have closed to ensure public safety, including Newport Animal Centre and Bryn-Y-Maen Animal Centre in Upper Colwyn Bay, the charity continues to provide vital care to animals.

Bryn-Y-Maen Animal Centre is currently providing care for 102 animals, and Newport is looking after 52 animals. The RSPCA is now bracing itself for even more animals to come into its care in the coming weeks as its rescue teams bring in more animals in need.

This comes at a time when the charity faces huge financial strain as the damaging effects of the coronavirus crisis starts to have an impact on fundraising income, while the costs of saving, treating and caring for animals continue.

Animal lover Ricky 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.”

Across Wales, in 2019, the RSPCA’s inspectorate officers dealt with 14,266 welfare incidents - equating to 39 each and every day of the year. Teams across the country are now continuing an emergency-only service through the lockdown period.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA chief inspectorate officer, 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 UK and Welsh Governments, which means we can carry on saving animals from cruelty and neglect but we rely entirely on generous public donations to fund 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 here for 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 RSPCA’s animal cruelty line for England and Wales has already received nearly 60,000 calls. Officers have helped animals in urgent need all across Wales.

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals like these and keep animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care through these unprecedented times, please donate whatever you can spare at www.rspca.org.uk/covid.

Many owners are concerned about caring for their pets amid the Coronavirus - or Covid-19 - outbreak. There’s lots of advice and help on the RSPCA website.