RSPCA emergency flood response rescue teams are on standby as more than 120 flood warnings have been issued across England – including in Dorset.

Residents have been told to take action in areas near the River Stour between Sturminster Marshall and Sturminster Newton following heavy rainfall this week, with a flood warning being issued by the Environment Agency.

The RSPCA has approximately 60 specially trained officers and a fleet of several emergency rescue boats that can be launched for water rescues.

The teams are trained to operate in fast-flowing and contaminated water and can be called upon to assist in rescuing animals, people and provide assistance to communities affected by flooding.

The charity placed its water rescue teams on standby after flood state one was declared by the organisation’s response managers on Wednesday night (November 16), running until at least Friday evening (November 18).

RSPCA has had at least six calls relating to flooding so far.

Bournemouth Echo: RSPCA water rescue teamsRSPCA water rescue teams (Image: RSPCA)

Inspector Jason Finch, the charity’s national water rescue coordinator, said: “This decision is made based on local conditions, the safety of our officers and predictions on how the weather and water levels could impact animals in local areas. It’s also based on the number of emergency calls that are coming into our hotline.

“The main concerns we are seeing at the moment are coming from members of the public who have seen horses or livestock in flooded fields.

“Make sure you have a plan so that you know how to get your animals out of danger if the worst was to happen and you found yourself caught up in flooding.

“Don’t put your own life or another’s life in danger to attempt an animal rescue and call us for help in an emergency.”

Residents can stay informed by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188, or visit environment-agency.gov.uk/flood for more information.