Animals in need of new homes

The Worcester branch was forced to close its doors on abandoned pets two weeks ago due to a £150,000 shortfall in funds.

This still left hundreds of animals at Danemere Kennels in Tibberton in need of homes.

Geraldine Haynes of the RSPCA said a re-homing day - taking place tomorrow, from 11am to 4pm - would give visitors the opportunity to meet animals and raise concerns or queries to RSPCA committee members.

"We have 75 cats, 25 dogs, 16 rabbits, 10 pet ferrets, two terrapins and a chipmunk to find homes for," said Mrs Haynes.

"There are also loads of gerbils, two baby chinchillas, nine geese and a guinea pig who we'd like homed with a rabbit he's befriended.

"We also hope to get across how important donations are to us."

Local branches rely on donations, legacies and their sponsorship scheme - £4 a month - to fund their work as they receive no funding from RSPCA headquarters.

"Vet bills for cats that came into our care between January and June alone was approximately £15,000," said Mrs Haynes.

"We'll keep appealing for donations and re-assess our financial situation in two months."

On the bright side, the RSPCA appeal publicised in the Evening News is proving to be a success.

Two weeks ago, 136 cats needed a home. Five were particularly desperate due to their antisocial temperaments which had kept them there since Christmas.

"Two of the antisocial cats, Sonner and Jenson, are now in new homes, as well as 45 of the other cats," said Mrs Haynes.

"Thirteen of the remaining 75 have passed homechecks and are awaiting vaccinations, and 20 have been reserved.

"This leaves just 55 left to home, which is very positive."

However, Danemere's dogs have not been as lucky.

A greyhound, Beth, has been there since March. She is a four-year-old ex-racer who loves people but is not keen on cats.

For more information on the re-homing day or adopting an animal call 01886 405010 in the evenings.