The RSPCA has dealt with more than 100,000 incidents across the country during lockdown, including over 2,000 in Staffordshire.

Since March 23, officers in Staffordshire have responded to 2,225 incidents - an average of almost 16 a day in the county.

They have also dealt with an additional 2,069 incidents in Cheshire.

RSPCA animal rescuers were designated key workers by the Government at the beginning of lockdown but the global pandemic has had a huge impact on the charity's finances.

As well as operating an emergency service, rescuing animals in need, RSPCA officers have also been collecting animals from the homes of people admitted to hospital with Covid-19, who may not have anyone else to care for them while their owners are being treated.

Dermot Murphy, Chief Inspectorate Officer, said: "We've had to quickly and drastically change the way we work during these unprecedented times, from the way we rehome animals to the PPE we wear when responding to calls.

"But the priority for us during lockdown has been to continue to be there for those animals who need us - while also helping people who have been hit hard by the pandemic.

"Now, more than four months into lockdown, we've passed a milestone as we responded to our 100,000th incident. And our staff are as busy as ever collecting abandoned animals, investigating complaints of cruelty, providing life-saving veterinary treatment to the sick and injured, and finding wonderful new homes for our residents.

"But to continue our vital work and to survive the huge impact this pandemic has had on the economy and, therefore, the charity sector, we really need your help. Please donate whatever you can spare here."