The RSPCA rescued three cats and two dogs from flooded homes in Warrington, Cheshire last week.
Caesar, an elderly akita, was stranded in a flooded house when RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes climbed through a window to reach him.
After being rescued safely, Caesar was reunited with his owners who were forced to evacuate without him.
RSPCA officers also waded through floodwater to assist dog Pepper and cats Bandit, Smokey and Socks who were stranded at their flooded house with their owner. They were all safely evacuated.
RSPCA inspector and water rescue coordinator Jason Finch said: “The most dangerous thing to do is move animals through flood water as they can panic, injure themselves or fall into fast-flowing water.
“However, in some circumstances, we have to launch rescue missions if animals’ lives are at risk.”
The charity had 33 calls last week relating to the floods that Storm Christoph has caused and have been helping animals across the UK ranging from cattle, chickens, ducks and donkeys.
The RSPCA flood teams consist of 65 specialist officers and 35 inflatable boats. As well as rescuing flood-stricken animals, the teams are trained in rescuing other people and assisting other agencies.
Here are the RSPCA’s top tips for flooding:
- Plan your escape route and keep contact details of people who can help you move your animals in an emergency
- Ensure you can be contacted in an emergency – if you have horses or livestock in field attach your contact details to gates so you can be contacted
- Make sure you have suitable carriers available for small animals and keep a supply of food in case of evacuation
- Bring small animals inside and, if possible, upstairs, and move food, bedding etc somewhere dry
- Put important documents in sealed bag along with photo of pet incase they get lost
- Move livestock and horses to high ground and ensure you have emergency feed and water supplies
- If you have to leave your animals behind, leave them inside an upstairs room with plenty of food and water. Leave notices on the outside doors to say there are animals inside and contact us or your local Flood Warden immediately to arrange rescue;
- Stay informed; call Floodline 0845 988 1188, visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood
