Coronavirus: Let’s Not Forget The Animals in The District

With the world concentrating it’s attention on the Covid-19 pandemic other issues are, understandably, passing unnoticed. One of these issues is animal welfare and the issues around them; which are likely to grow even more as consequence of the current crisis.

Animal welfare charities we have spoken to in the Folkestone & Hythe District are aware that some residents of the district are beginning to struggle to feed their pets, due to financial issues after being furloughed, or having to claim Universal Credit. Others have spoken about neutering, as it is cat breeding season at this time of year. Yet more have raised concerns about those who may have to enter local hospitals for medical reasons – not just covid-19 – what happens to their pets? And others have raised issues around inoculations

They are worried as the British Veterinary Association advice is  veterinary practices should  only  offer urgent and emergency care or undertaking work to maintain the food supply chain.

They go onto advise:

• Vets … risk assess each case and exercise their clinical and professional judgement to decide whether face-to-face treatment or care is essential or whether services could be provided remotely. 

The  Lord Whisky Centre, based at Rhodes Minnis, are still running their Tuesday and Thursday 2 – 3 pm clinics, but they stress you call them first – 01303 862622. They have closed their shops and furloughed their staff; and are, as we understand, still having to pay rent on these properties on Hythe High Street.

The Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary are offering telephone advice – 01303 862243 – or email advice –  rminniscats@gmail.com.

The Last Chance Animal Rescue centre in New Romney are currently closed and are not taking animals, but you can still fill in their online questionnaire if you wish to adopt a pet.

The most recurring theme made by all the Animal centres we contacted, was that of finances. Finances of residents who may over time find it more difficult to feed their pets. All of the animal centres expect people to struggle feeding their pets as money becomes tighter; which may well lead to a potential increase of stray and feral animals as the covid-19 lock down continues.

If you need to contact a Veterinary Surgery in the district because you have an “emergency” you can contact:

Cinque Port Vets – Lydd on 01797 321771

Barrow Hill Veterinary Centre– New Romney on 01797 363177

Hythe Vet Centre – Hythe on 01303 260003

Abbeywell Vets – Folkestone on 01303 227179

If you are on a low income and have an emergency contact:

Havelock Vetinary Surgery (who run the RSPCA Clinic)- Folkestone on 01304 206 989

The Shepwayvox Team

Stay At Home – Protect The NHS – Save Lives