AN ANIMAL shelter is pleading with pet owners not to abandon their animals as there is no risk of them catching coronavirus.

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare near Lewes is reassuring owners there is no indication their pets can catch the human strain of Covid-19.

But it warned animals can act as a surface for the virus so owners should ensure no one outside their household touches or strokes their pets.

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The centre’s animal welfare chief Matt Gough urged owners to call Raystede if they needed emergency advice.

"Raystede has suspended its routine intake of animals to ensure we have enough staff to look after animals already in our care in this unpredictable time,” he said.

“If anybody finds themselves in an emergency situation where they feel they must give up an animal they can call us for advice.

“We continue to give every animal at Raystede the best possible care.”

Shutting soon after the pandemic was declared, Raystede has lost £1,000 each day as it scrambles to care for its 400 animals.

A centre spokeswoman said it expected a new wave of unwanted pets would arrive at Raystede when it reopens.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund