Sussex animal charities struggling (From The Argus)

Sussex animal charities struggling

4:00pm Tuesday 14th April 2009 in

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Animal charities are in danger of going under because recession-hit pet owners cannot afford vet bills.

One charity is now paying out more than £10,000 a month on vet bills - double the amount it would expect.

Owners across Sussex are struggling to pay vet bills and in some cases they can no longer afford to keep their pets.

They are often faced with the option of having their pets put down or asking a charity to cover the cost.

But now charities are struggling as money runs out and donations fall to an all-time low.

Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service (Wadars) say its future is in question after they realised they are paying more than £10,000 in vet bills each month.

The charity previously concentrated on looking after wild animals and strays but now they are spending the majority of their funds on domestic pets.

Billy Elliott, of Wadars, said: "Owners are facing the traumatic dilemma of having their animals put down because they can't pay the vet bill.

"They come to us to cover the costs and we've never turned away an animal yet.

"Even the council's dog warden in charge of looking after strays is handing animals to us because they don't have enough money to deal with them.

"But sadly we're now forking out £10,000 each month and we've done that for all three months in this year so far. To be honest it couldn't continue long-term."

As well as taking on higher costs, charities are also seeing donations drop, as well as the number of volunteers.

Trevor Weeks, from East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service (WRAS), said: "We've seen donations fall by several thousand pounds already this year.

"Standing orders are being cancelled and the amount people are willing to give is much reduced."

On top of this the normal fuel card given to volunteers to help with travel costs has been abandoned.

Mr Weeks said: "That now comes out of our own pockets, so I have ended up paying £15 or so a day – it makes it much less attractive for volunteers to come forward."

Have you had to give up your pet because of the recession? Tell us your stories below.