Animal charity Blue Cross has appealed for owners struggling to care for pets during coronavirus lockdown to contact them for help if they need it.
The call comes after a cat with no eyes was left in a taped-up box outside the charity’s Merton vet surgery.
The cat, who is not microchipped and believed to be around seven years old, was left in a cardboard box behind the charity’s animal hospital on Merton High Street, Merton, London last week.
Although left at the door in a box, CCTV shows how the blind cat was then able to escape and wander around before being found; something that could have led him into danger.
Blue Cross, as a result, are urging those unable to care for pets to contact them before situations like this arise.
The charity, who provides low-cost veterinary services to those on benefits, as well as rehoming services, wants to get the message out that they will not judge those struggling with a pet and appeals for those feeling in crisis to pick up the phone for help.
Many more people will have become eligible for the services they provide – for example, if they’re applying for Universal Credit due to being laid off. In the wake of this, Blue Cross has implemented remote phone and email support consultations and is still seeing essential and emergency cases at its London and Grimsby Hospitals.
Amanda Rumball, London Animal Welfare Officer at Blue Cross, said: ‘It is distressing that at this time desperate pet owners may feel they have no other option but to leave a pet at the doors of a charity or vets.
‘We would urge people not to do this and to pick up the phone or email for help.
‘We will never judge and look to do everything in our power to help a pet in crisis, be that through remote support or through our vet or rehoming services.
‘We will always be following government guidelines to never put people or pets at risk but have protocols in place to help.’
Thankfully the cat dropped off in Merton has had a happy ending. Following assessment by vets, the cat, who would have been born with no eyes, has been named Larry by the team and is doing incredibly well in the charity’s care and is a friendly and sociable boy.
He is now in a foster home until the charity can find him a new home once the Government lockdown has been lifted.
For those who need guidance regarding their pets and coronavirus check out bluecross.org.uk/coronavirus.
If you need specific behavioural support and advice for pets, call 0300 790 9903 (option 4).
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