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RSPCA to continue rescuing animals in Wales during ‘firebreak’ lockdown
RSPCA frontline rescuers and centre staff will continue their vital work, as they are classed as key workers.

Charity urges public to seek guidance on new restrictions

The RSPCA has confirmed that it will continue to answer emergency and cruelty calls made to its helpline during the upcoming ‘firebreak’ lockdown in Wales.

The new restrictions - which come into force today (Friday 23 October) – have led to the closure of the RSPCA animal centres in Newport and Bryn-Y-Maen in Upper Colwyn Bay for the duration of the lockdown. However, staff at these sites will continue to care for the animals based there and take in newly rescued animals.

Following discussions with the Welsh government, limited rehomings will still be taking place virtually, with pets being delivered to owners by the RSPCA.

All RSPCA charity shops in Wales will be closed along with other non-essential retail, and the RSPCA Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Clinic will be providing emergency-only appointments to clients for the two-week period.

Further advice for animal owners during lockdown can be found on the Welsh government website.

RSPCA’s Chief executive, Chris Sherwood, said: “As we approach this ‘firebreak’ lockdown in Wales we want to reassure everyone that our dedicated team of frontline staff will continue to provide care for the most vulnerable animals in Wales and respond to calls to our cruelty line.

“We appreciate this is another unsettling time for animal owners and urge everyone to seek the advice and guidance ahead of these upcoming two weeks.

“I’d also urge anyone struggling with their pet to ask for help. Animals have been there to help us through the crisis - please don’t abandon them now.”

The charity is also urging local authorities to relax Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in certain areas, to ensure that dog walkers have adequate space to exercise their pets in their local area and to reduce unnecessary travel.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.