The RSPCA has reassured animal lovers they will still be dealing with emergency cases.

Chief executive, Chris Sherwood, said: ’Despite most of the country staying at home there are still animals which need our help and I’m so incredibly thankful for frontline officers helping animals in emergency situations and our centre staff and volunteers who are giving love and affection to the hundreds of animals in our care.

’We’ve taken steps to make sure that we are dealing with emergency cases only so we can play our part in stopping the spread of this virus and safeguard our staff and volunteers. We rely on the public’s help and we would ask them to only call our helpline in an emergency and visit our website for all other enquiries.’

Frontline officers are wearing protective clothing, regularly handwashing before and after handling animals, avoiding entering premises and asking people to bring animals to the door where appropriate and keeping their vans clean.