Animal sanctuary's plea for more donations

Kathryn CrossOne of East Anglia's largest animal charities is appealing for people to come and support its last open day of the year after it suffered a dramatic drop in donations.Kathryn Cross

One of East Anglia's largest animal charities is appealing for people to come and support its last open day of the year after it suffered a dramatic drop in donations.

PACT Animal Sanctuary has been rescuing, rehabilitating and, where possible, re-homing neglected, injured and abandoned animals and wildlife for 15 years. It now looks after more than 600 animals at its premises at Woodrising, near Hingham.

But over the past year donations to the charity have fallen by 30 percent and has to dip into funds earmarked for improving their facilities just to feed the hungry mouths.

Co-founder and trustee Chris Rockingham said the charity had money put aside to build a new cattery and small kennels but had to use some of those funds to pay for food and vet bills.

'Our income is desperately down but a lot of charities are suffering this year,' she said. 'There have been a lot of international disasters which have had a big impact on charities but while some have been able to dip into their reserves we just don't have any. It has always been hand to mouth but the animals need to be fed and vet bills need to be paid and petrol needs to be put in vehicles to go out on rescues.

'We hope as many people as possible come out to support us on this last open day, see the animals, and maybe sponsor one or rehome one.'

The open day at the sanctuary at River Farm, Woodrising is on Sunday, August 15 from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. There will be food, tombola and games as well as a micro-chipping service for �10 per dog.

Entry is �3 per car.

For more information visit www.pactsanctuary.org