Kind-hearted RSPCA inspectors deliver dog food to pet owners self-isolating on lockdown

A trio of RSPCA inspectors are busy distributing dog food to pet owners who are self-isolating during the Coronavirus lockdown in Cheshire and Staffordshire.

Inspectors Jenny Bethell, Nadine Pengilly and Caren Goodman-James have been delivering the food donations during breaks from their RSPCA duties.

The pet food is regularly donated to the charity by Morrisons Distribution centre in Nantwich when they have surplus products which are getting close to the sell-by date. 

The inspectors would normally hand these to people they come across during the course of their work who are struggling financially to feed their pets.

Last week they were given another large donation so invited people who were self-isolating and in need of dog food to get in touch with them via various local Facebook sites. 

They then arranged to drop the food parcels safely at the pet owner's door while wearing gloves.

They have been busy distributing dozens of bags in and around the Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme areas of Staffordshire and also in the Alsager and Sandbach areas in Cheshire.

Nadine said: “We are always very grateful for the donations we receive from Morrison’s and we often distribute them to people who we come across as struggling financially to perhaps feed their pets.

“Obviously at this time we realised that some people would be struggling to get pet food because they are self-isolating so we decided to invite anyone in this situation to get in touch via local social media groups and we have had quite a response.

“We have been busy dropping off dozens of bags of food wearing gloves and safely keeping a distance.”

Caren added: “We have received lots of positive feedback from those who have received the food as they are unable to leave their homes due to self-isolation. 

“They have sent us photographs and messages of support on social media (see photo above) which was great so we know we are making a positive impact on their lives.”

A spokesman for Morrisons said: “We're proud to play our part in feeding people across the UK at this challenging time, and their pets too! We hope the dog food we've donated will make life a bit easier for those who are self-isolating at the moment.'

You can find out more about how to about how to care for you pets during self-isolation by visiting the RSPCA website here

During this difficult time, our priority is to help animals in need. We are already experiencing strain on our centres and frontline due to Covid-19 and this will worsen in the weeks ahead. To help the RSPCA though this challenging time, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/give or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.  We know this is a difficult time for animal lovers. Please visit our website for advice, information and support.