RSPCA: Busy week ahead for RSPCA flood rescue teams
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Monday, 08, Sep 2008 12:00
With forecasts predicting more downpours, RSPCA flood teams are preparing for a busy week ahead after torrential rain caused havoc in some parts of the country over the weekend.
A total of 30 trained flood staff have been on standby throughout the past 72 hours, helping to rescue animals and people that have been stranded in the floods.
Over the weekend the RSPCA national call centre received over 250 calls from the public relating to concerns over livestock and domestic pets and reporting animals in distress.
Amongst the rescues were:
One hundred and twenty sheep rescued from flooded fields in Whittington, Staffordshire.
RSPCA staff liaised with emergency services from Northumberland to help with the evacuation of residents in Morpeth. Teams rescued six people from their properties at the height of the floods, as well as carrying out welfare checks on residents.
Earlier on Saturday, teams were involved in the rescue of a baby and another child in a car that had stalled in floodwater in Kirkley Mill, Northumberland. They helped the parents to push their car to a place of safety.
Fifty sheep were taken to safety by inspectors in Ponteland, Castle Morpeth as water levels rose sharply.
Chief officer of the inspectorate, Tim Wass said: “I’m extremely proud of all the staff involved in these rescues over the weekend. Over the last couple of years, we’ve learned a great deal about how to help communities in crisis and our colleagues in the emergency services. Our teams will be deployed where they are most needed and ready to help rescue animals in need, and in some cases their owners.”
The RSPCA is advising owners of livestock to make sure that their animals have access to dry land, food, water and shelter and to check regularly to ensure that they are safe. Pet owners are also advised to take any animals that may be at risk from flooding in their gardens to a place of shelter.
Last year the RSPCA helped assist over 1,500 animals and rescued 62 people who were caught up in the floods.
-ends-
Notes to editors
Photographs of one of the sheep rescues are available on request from the RSPCA press office. If used, please credit Lee Hopgood/RSPCA photolibrary.
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 0870 0555500 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
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