A CHARITY has launched an emergency appeal to continue saving the lives on Hampshire pets amid the coronavirus crisis.

The RSPCA launched an appeal yesterday (MARCH 30) to keep its rescue teams out on the frontline in Hampshire saving animals through the Coronavirus pandemic.

Since the crisis deepened at the beginning of March, the RSPCA animal cruelty line has received nearly 60,000 calls from across the UK.

The RSPCA national emergency appeal is being supported by comedian and animal lover Ricky Gervais.

Although RSPCA centres have closed to the public, the charity continues to provide vital care to thousands of animals across England and Wales and is expecting even more to come into its care in the coming weeks as its rescue teams bring in more animals in need.

Alongside this, the charity is also facing a huge financial strain as it is already seeing the damaging effect of this crisis on its fundraising income, while the costs of saving, treating and caring for animals continue.

On Thursday, March 26, RSPCA Inspector Sharon Chrisp was called to Winchester to an emergency collection of three tiny tiny fox cubs. Sadly, they were found suckling from their deceased mum after she was knocked down by a car.

Sharon said: “A kind couple saw the cubs and picked them up and took them home, putting all three in a cat carrier.

"We’re still working on an emergency service, and practicing social distancing, so I was able to collect the cubs from outside the couple’s home and take them to a specialist wildlife centre.”

Ricky said: "It is really important for us all to pull together to help each other at this difficult time and someone needs to be there for animals, too.

"I would urge people to give whatever they can spare at this really difficult time to support the RSPCA so they can stay out on the frontline rescuing the animals who need them most."