A leading animal rescue charity is launching an emergency appeal to keep its teams out on the frontline in Dorset saving animals through the coronavirus crisis.

The RSPCA's animal rescuers have been designated key workers by the Government and its teams are continuing an emergency-only service through the lockdown period - but vital funding is needed to keep them out on the road, continuing to rescue animals from the worst cruelty and neglect.

Last year, RSPCA rescuers dealt with 2,580 welfare incidents in Dorset and they are continuing to save animals on the frontline through this difficult time.

Earlier this month, RSPCA inspector Charlotte Coggins was called to the rescue after hedgehogs were found crushed in a garden fence in Sherborne.

Charlotte said: “I couldn’t find an easy way to get them out and they were crushed so I tried to be as quick as I could and ended up using a long screwdriver as a leaver to break away the bottom panel of the fence.

“Sadly, one hedgehog had died but the other was fine and was released back after being checked over for any injuries.”

Although RSPCA centres have closed to the public, the charity continues to provide vital care to thousands of animals across England and Wales and is expecting even more to come into its care in the coming weeks as its rescue teams bring in more animals in need.

Alongside this, the charity is also facing a huge financial strain as it is already seeing the damaging effect of this crisis on its fundraising income, while the costs of saving, treating and caring for animals continue.

The charity's national emergency appeal is being supported by comedian and animal lover Ricky Gervais.

Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA rescue teams, 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 Government which means we can carry on saving animals from cruelty and neglect and we rely entirely on generous public donations to deliver 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 there for the 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 charity's animal cruelty line has received nearly 60,000 calls.

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