AN animal charity in Bromsgrove is facing its "worst nightmare" as more than 70 abandoned pets are left stranded in kennels because of foot and mouth disease.

The Blue Cross Animal Adoption Centre, in Wildmoor Lane, Catshill, is just a mile from a foot and mouth outbreak at Fairfield and has had to close its doors to prevent the disease spreading to their goats.

Although they cannot catch foot and mouth, the 30 cats and 40 dogs at the centre cannot be moved to new homes because of the risk of visitors spreading the disease.

Every month they are losing £5,000 in donations because of the enforced closure.

The charity's September fete, which attracts around 6,000 people and raised over £7,000 last year, may also have to be cancelled.

Blue Cross manager Neil Edwards fears the consequences of the disease could affect them for six months.

He said: "I've been with the Blue Cross for 27 years and I can honestly say this is the most depressing and worrying time I have experienced.

"Now we have animals, desperate for homes, facing the prospect of maybe six months in the centre and a further wait for the public to have confidence to come and visit us again."

He said the animals were beginning to pace up and down and walk round in circles and were suffering because of this.

Mr Edwards said: "The staff are doing all they can to take the stress and strain out of the situation for the animals.

"We feel our plight isn't known in the outside world."

Anyone who can help with donations of cash, toys for the animals or blankets is asked to call the centre on 0121 453 3130.