Charity reports only a handful of calls related to the storm

Following the strong winds and rain that hit England and Wales yesterday, the RSPCA has reported that only a small number of people called in with concerns.

According to the charity, animal rescue teams were on standby ready to deal with emergencies, but it appears pet owners and farmers heeded earlier warnings and moved their animals indoors or to higher ground.

RSPCA chief inspector Dermot Murphy said: "Our inspectors and call handlers were ready to deal with any emergency situation but fortunately only a handful of members of the public have called in with concerns.

"We’d like to thank farmers and pet owners for heeding the warnings and taking extra care of their animals during the storms."

Calls made to the charity included a report of five ponies in a flooded field in Staverton, Gloucestershire, which were moved to safety before the inspector arrived. A herd of cows were also stuck in a flooded field in Roydon, Essex.

Another report told of a dog stuck in a drain in Darfield, South Yorkshire, but when firefighters arrived and lifted the manhole cover there was no dog to be found - it is hoped that the animal managed to escape.

The RSPCA says this is an incredibly busy time - with animals at risk from fireworks, bonfires, severe weather and post-Christmas abandonment.

The charity is launching a new winter campaign next week - "Everyday Heroes" - to highlight the dangers facing many animals and to support the charity workers who try to help them.