Pet owners do you have a flood plan for your pets?

12.06.12

As the flood risk moves to different parts of the country we're urging people to think about what will happen to their pets if they are forced to abandon their homes.

We've been working closely with Fire and Rescue services in the affected areas and have carried out several rescues so far, including:
 

• Two dogs rescued from a caravan on the flooded Maesbangor Caravan Park at Aberystwyth in Wales.
   
• A cat and some budgies transferred to an animal shelter after 20 basement flats on the seafront at Littlehampton in West Sussex were evacuated because of flooding.
   
• 20 cattle at Cuckfield Road near Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, marooned on a bank – a six-strong RSPCA Water Rescue Team are currently at the scene carrying out a rescue.
   
• Sheep rescued near Billingshurst in West Sussex by fire brigade - some had already drowned.

Flood warnings issued across the country

Yesterday (Monday, 11 June) The Environment Agency had issued warnings of possible flooding in 34 areas - 28 in south-east England, three in Wales and others in the Midlands and parts of northern England.

With more rain predicted for today we're urging animal owners who live in areas at risk from high water, to monitor Environment Agency warnings and take steps to ensure their pets and livestock are safe.

RSPCA Inspector Tony Woodley said:

The public rightly feel very passionate about their animals and are often reluctant to leave them in times of crisis.

It can make a difficult situation worse if they have not considered how they will care for their animals in transit or where to keep them until they can return to their homes.
 

Flood advice

Don't wait for disaster before you decide what to do.

• Think ahead, act early and plan before it floods.

If you're concerned about the welfare of an animal call our 24-hour national cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.