RSPCA Cymru has dealt with 1,641 animal welfare incidents in the month following the nation entering lockdown.

Dramatic new figures show that - despite the Covid-19 restrictions - the RSPCA is dealing with more than 51 incidents each day in Wales.

The charity has released the figures as part of its emergency appeal, launched to keep its rescue teams out on the road during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Funding is urgently needed to help the RSPCA’s frontline staff continue its work.

Across England and Wales, RSPCA rescuers have dealt with 21,137 animal welfare incidents between 23 March and 23 April - including many involving cruelty and suffering animals who need help.

Officers have responded to dozens of reports in every local authority area of Wales - but have responded to the most lockdown incidents in Cardiff (163), Caerphilly (132) and Rhondda Cynon Taf (113).

Martyn Hubbard, RSPCA Cymru superintendent, said: “Animal cruelty has not stopped for the coronavirus.

"There are still countless animals across the country in urgent need of help - and these new figures show, since the lockdown, our rescuers have been supporting animals in all parts of Wales."

“Our teams are still out and about rescuing animals in urgent need of care. Rescuers have dealt with almost 1,650 incidents in Wales alone in the last month - an average of more than 50 each and every day.

“And while our animal centres may be closed due to the crisis - they continue to tend to 170 rescue animals all hours of the day; often animals who have escaped the more extreme neglect, cruelty or abandonment.

“But our resources are under huge strain and vital funding is needed to keep our rescue teams out on the road, and our centres and veterinary services providing for animals.

“We know that this is a difficult time for everyone but we must still be here for animals who are suffering and we are appealing for animal lovers to give whatever they can to help us.”

The RSPCA is urging pet-owners to make an emergency pet-care plan should they be admitted to hospital with coronavirus, including placing a poster in the window informing people that there are pets inside.

RSPCA animal centres at Newport and Bryn-Y-Maen are currently closed to the public due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but continue to provide care for 170 animals - including dogs, cats, rabbits and other domestic animals who have escaped situations of cruelty and neglect.

Visit www.rspca.org.uk/covid to donate.