The RSPCA has received more than 1,600 reports of abandoned animals since lockdown started.

That's 40 a day on average in England and Wales, with 56 of the reports coming from Kent since March 23.

The charity has released the figures as part of its emergency appeal which was launched to help keep its rescue team on the road during the coronavirus crisis.

Animal rescuers have been designated key workers but the RSPCA is in need of vital funding to help its frontline staff continue their work.

Head of the charity's rescue teams, Dermot Murphy, said: “Although much of the country is on lockdown, sadly there are still thousands of animals who need our help, including abandoned pets.

“Many people are finding their pets are a real source of comfort in these anxious times and thankfully cases of abandonment are slightly lower than usual but it’s heartbreaking that some animals are being dumped during this crisis.

“In most cases we don’t know why pets are abandoned but it’s really important to remind people that there is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 can be passed from pets to people.

“There is lots of help and support out there for anyone else struggling to get animal food, with health or behavioural issues, exercising their pets or managing to keep children safe around pets. Please don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Since the lockdown measures were introduced the RSPCA has responded to more than 27,000 incidents in total, with 1,663 reports of abandoned animals received.

It is urging pet-owners to make an emergency pet-care plan should they be admitted to hospital with the virus, including placing a poster in the window informing people their pet is inside.

To help the RSPCA you can donate here.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent