The stolen van did not have RSPCA markings

The van, which was paid for through charitable donations, was taken after thieves stole a set of keys from a gym changing room and traced the address.

Inspector Danielle Baber, who travels around south Wales said that her work had been affected by the theft.

She said that the summer period was one of the busiest for the RSPCA and the loss of the van was "terrible".

The white Vauxhall Combo van was taken on Wednesday night.

"I couldn't believe it - it has got everything I need to do my job," she said.

It has been a real nightmare Insp Baber

"I had removed the magnetic RSPCA signs the night so to a thief it probably just looked like a white van.

"But I am sure as soon as they got into it, they would have realised that it was an RSPCA van because of all the equipment inside.

"This is such a busy time of year for the RSPCA but essentially they are down an inspector now because I haven't got what I need to do my job."

Insp Baber said that the thieves had driven away with the van after a set of keys was stolen from a gym. The people responsible stole the family car too.

"It has been a real nightmare," she said.

"I really need all of the equipment that was stolen in order for me to do my job - it had graspers to control vicious dogs, swan catchers, pet transporters - everything I need.

"It will be no use to anyone else, and I would imagine the thieves have dumped the equipment somewhere so I am just hoping that a member of the public might spot it so we can get it back."