TRUSTEES' REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2014
10
TRUSTEES' REPORT
Climate change and floods
Summary of progress
The winter of 2013/14 proved to be one of
the wettest on record for the UK and this
had a major impact on our work. The RSPCA
took over 1,500 flood-related calls in the
first two months of the year and provided
advice or monitored the welfare of over
5,500 animals. Our specialist rescue team of
inspectors rescued more than 200 animals.
In one incident in the Thames Valley we
worked alongside the emergency services,
rescuing animals from properties and also
assisting in the removal of people from
flooded properties. RSPCA inspectors also
assisted in providing food and rescuing horses
from flooded ground in Gloucestershire and
Christchurch and rescuing sheep and cattle
from the Somerset Levels - one of the worst
affected areas in England.
We worked closely with the emergency
services during the floods and - to show the
benefits of including animals in any flood
planning - we produced a good practice
guide and briefing sheet for MPs to advise
constituents. This was highlighted through
our Contingency Planning Awards which were presented at the three
political party conferences - to encourage more local authorities to
enter the awards in 2015.
What we will do in 2015
We will work with the Department of Communities and Local
Government which is keen to use the information we have provided as
a basis for the advice it gives on contingency planning. We will continue
to reward local authorities for their contingency planning in our annual
awards and promote this during the year to attract more entries than in
previous years.
Andrew Forsyth/RSPCA Photolibrary