RSPCA Treats Floods As National Emergency- Teams to Help to People, Pets and Livestock

Friday, 20 November 2009 12:00 AM

- Society asks the public for emergency calls only to its national helpline -

The RSPCA is deploying at least 60 specially-trained staff across Cumbria to offer rescue assistance to both people and their animals.

The teams - about 20 per cent of the RSPCA's field staff - are working with emergency services including going door-to-door with the Army in Cockermouth, as well as offering help to vulnerable people and their animals around in areas such as Workington, Kendal and Keswick.

Tim Wass, RSPCA Inspectorate Chief Officer, said:

"We are on red alert at the moment and are ready to rescue as many people and animals as we can. We usually receive most calls 24 hours after heavy rain, so we're on standby in case anyone needs our help.

"Our teams will be deployed where most needed and will be ready to help both humans and their animals. We've learned a great deal about how to help communities in crisis and will be working very closely alongside all our colleagues in the emergency services."

The RSPCA is advising the public that its national Cruelty Line - 0300 1234 9999 - will be only be able to deal with emergency calls during this crisis.

RSPCA staff from across the country are being sent to the flood-hit region. Teams are also on standby in the Wales following Met Office reports that severe flooding could be expected over the next 48 hours.

Farmers and pet owners across the region are urged wherever safe and possible to try to move animals to safety if there is a risk of flooding.

The RSPCA is expecting that this operation is likely to last for up to four days, but the Society would like to reassure the public that it will not comprise animal welfare and any emergency cases will be dealt with as usual.

For further details, or interview requests, please call the RSPCA press office on 0300 123 0244.

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 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email
Website

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