How you can help animals at Chesterfield's RSPCA centre during the lockdown

The Chesterfield and North Derbyshire branch of the animal charity remains closed to the public until further notice because of the restrictions announced by the Government.

Staff and volunteers are continuing to go in and look after the dogs, cats and other animals at the centre – but admit it has been a ‘challenge’.

They are urging residents to keep donating and also to consider sponsoring a kennel or cat pen.

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Supporter engagement officer Steph McCawley said: “We are still continuing to care for the many animals we have at the centre and receiving urgent cases from the inspectors.

“The decision to close to the public was to protect our visitors and crucially our staff who are working tirelessly to keep things as normal as possible for the animals.

“However, while we are unable to fundraise by adopting, holding our scheduled events or receive donations at the centre, we are in need of vital cash funds to help us to continue to care and help the animals in need from our area.

“We are asking our supporters to keep donating as much as they can afford to RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Branch so we can be here for the future.

“They can also sponsor a kennel or cat pen from as little as £5 a month by visiting www.chesterfield-rspca.org.uk/safehaven now.”

Steph is also encouraging people to plan ahead if they hope to adopt a pet once the lockdown is over.

“There are still many animals waiting for new homes so there is no harm in people looking at our website to see who is waiting for when the lockdown is finished,” she added.

RSPCA branches are often at their busiest in the spring and early summer, with June being the height of the breeding season for many wild animals.

The team at Chesterfield has to work flat out to care for domestic pets as well as all manner of wild creatures from newborn fox cubs to injured blackbirds.

For more information, or to make a donation, visit the branch’s website.

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