The RSPCA has responded to claims that they "didn't seem bothered" after being notified of a raccoon living in a Biddulph pond.

Biddulph Nub News reported recently how a young angler spotted the raccoon earlier this week while out fishing at an open cast pond in Knypersley.

The angler, 16-year-old Louis Windle, was quick enough to take video footage of the "really friendly" raccoon, which can be seen above, and even managed to feed him some sweetcorn that he had brought along as bait for the fish.

After spotting the raccoon, Louis and his mother, Debs Windle, both said they contacted the RSPCA to ask what could be done, but were left feeling disappointed after the animal welfare charity reportedly took little interest in the situation.

Debs told Biddulph Nub News: "We called the RSPCA but they said they couldn't come out to catch it as they were a charity and it wasn't hurt.

"I was so disappointed that they didn't think it was important, as he's a lovely little fella."

While Louis added: "We rang the RSPCA, but they didn't seem bothered about it, which was a shame."

Now the animal welfare charity has responded, explaining that it has to prioritise animals who are sick.

A spokesperson said: "You are right that this is a non-native species however as an animal welfare charity we have to prioritise animals that are sick, injured, cruelly treated and neglected at this time.

"As this raccoon is thankfully a healthy one we would ask that people get in touch with the Non-Native Species Secretariat so they can report it."

Biddulph Nub News also recently reported how the RSPCA dealt with more than 2,000 Staffordshire incidents during the lockdown period.

It was reported that since March 23, officers in Staffordshire have responded to 2,225 incidents - an average of almost 16 a day in the county.

To visit the website for the Non-Native Species Secretariat, click here.

Biddulph Nub News has contacted the Non-Native Species Secretariat for comment.