Ricky Gervais backs RSPCA coronavirus appeal following 60,000 calls to cruelty line – including bearded dragon rescue in Warnham

The comedian and animal lover is supporting the appeal which the charity hopes will keep its rescue teams out on the frontline saving animals from cruelty and neglect during the outbreak.

Animal rescuers at the RSPCA – which has its headquarters in Southwater – have been designated key workers by the government, but vital funding is still needed to keep them out on the road across West Sussex.

Ricky Gervais said: “It is really important for us all to pull together to help each other at this difficult time and someone needs to be there for animals, too.

“I would urge people to give whatever they can spare at this really difficult time to support the RSPCA so they can stay out on the frontline rescuing the animals who need them most.

“They are facing huge challenges through this crisis, but their amazing staff are committed to being there for animals in danger in any way they can and they can only do it with your help.”

The bearded dragon was found in a closed cardboard box in a ditch by a member of the public in Byfleets Lane – which runs between Warnham and Broadbridge Heath – on Monday, March 9.

It had been there for around three to four days, but the person opened the box in order to move it from the ditch, they discovered the bearded dragon inside.

Fortunately, despite having been left in the box for a few days, the bearded dragon appeared to be in good health and was taken to a nearby vet for a check-up before being transferred to an appropriate reptile specialist facility.

On the same day in Crawley, a milk snake was also found by a member of the piblic in the street in Mill Road, Three Bridges.

The snake was safely confined and an RSPCA officer collected the 2ft-long snake and took it to a nearby specialist reptile facility.

RSPCA rescuer Andrew Kirby said: “It was unusual to have had two rescues of reptiles in such a short space of time. We suspect that the milk snake was an escaped pet and we put the details on Pets Located in the hope an owner will come forward.

“It’s very lucky that the bearded dragon was found in time. Exotic pets like bearded dragons aren’t always easy to care for and sadly this does mean we often see them abandoned when their owners struggle to cope with their care which is why we would urge people to thoroughly do their research before taking on any pet.

“If you’re struggling, there is never an excuse to abandon an animal like this as there are always other options open to you.”

Last year, RSPCA rescuers dealt with 2,473 welfare incidents across West Sussex.

Although RSPCA centres and wildlife centres have closed to the public, the charity continues to provide vital care to thousands of animals across England and Wales during this difficult time, and is expecting even more to come into its care in the coming weeks.

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 teams are continuing an emergency-only service through the lockdown period.

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.”

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals and to keep its animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care visit www.rspca.org.uk/covid to donate.

You can also find information if you’re concerned about caring for a pet amind the Covid-19 outbreak.

___

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy.

Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves.

As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: “Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role.”

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

In addition, please write to your MP urging the Government to provide some additional financial support for local newspapers and their websites like this one and ensuring that supermarkets continue to stock them. I cannot stress enough how important such an intervention would be.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.