The RSPCA Greater Manchester animal hospital has treated 1,043 emergency cases since lockdown started.

At the charity’s five animal hospitals and clinics a total of 5,496 emergency cases have been treated since lockdown began.

Since lockdown began on March 23 the RSPCA’s hospital in Salford has had 517 visits from dogs, 410 from cats, 30 from rabbits and 86 visits from other pets and wild animals.

The RSPCA has launched an emergency appeal to keep its frontline rescue teams working during the coronavirus pandemic.

The team has carried out 349 procedures, including operations, and 298 animal patients have had to stay in for treatment.

Caroline Allen, chief vet at the RSPCA, said: “Our hospital teams have been working incredibly hard around the clock to help animals who need emergency care.

“They’ve had to change the way they work in order to keep themselves and the public safe but they’ve done such an amazing job to make sure we can still be there for animals most in need throughout this crisis.

“This crisis time has been hard for our hospital workers," she added.

“I’m extremely grateful to them and also to the public who have been supporting them by clapping on Thursdays and sending them messages of support.”