Stubbington Ark RSPCA launches a campaign to help fund vital work looking after animals while centre is closed

The Stubbington Ark, also known as RSPCA Solent Branch, has closed to the public during the coronavirus crisis and needs generous public help to fund an average of £20,000 a week to care for pets in need.

Animal lovers have been helping fund the centre for more than 30 years, but staff have put out a plea for help after losing income from their usual sources.

Rachel Hall, business and income generation manager, said: ‘We have always strived to do the best for the animals in our care but now we need your help.

‘We are an independent charity and rely on donations from the public, our shops and adoptions to keep us going.

‘During this pandemic we need your help more than ever.

‘We have lost precious income from our charity shops which are currently closed, we can no longer fundraise by doing street collections, adoptions for animals are currently halted and our boarding has ceased because people are not going away at the moment.’

While adhering to government guidelines means not only is the centre closed to the public but it is also closed to the loyal volunteers too, so the staff are working hard to provide all the care for the animals at the shelter.

Daily routines of feeding, providing veterinary care, cleaning, walking, socialising and providing enrichment for the animals continue.

Rachel said: ‘Giving animals a second chance is what the Stubbington Ark stands for, we find them new forever homes and ensure they will be taken care of.

‘In order to do our jobs we need the help from the public. Without their vital contributions we can't do this crucial work.’

More than £2,000 has been raised so far through a Just Giving campaign, which can be found at justgiving.com/campaign/RSPCASolentBranch-RecoveringLostIncome

Every animal ready for adoption is listed at stubbingtonark.org.uk

All enquiries about adoption need to be made to [email protected]

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