ANIMAL CASH HELP PLEA (From Warrington Guardian)

ANIMAL CASH HELP PLEA

LOCAL animal charity Feline Friends has made a passionate appeal for help as they face their biggest cash crisis since forming five years ago.

The group, which rescues and cares for sick and abandoned animals in Halton, says it is so strapped for funds that it may be forced to close.

And coordinator, Yvonne Garner, warned: "I dread to think what will happen to all these animals if we're not here to help.

"We are chock-a-block at the moment with cats and kittens. The other day someone brought seven kittens to us and then another lady contacted us when she found a cat which had been run over. That vet bill alone was just under £70."

Mrs Garner explained: "Since Christmas our charity shop in has not been making much money. I think it's the same for a lot of charities.

"We are also very disappointed to have lost two of our biggest lifelines in Runcorn.

"We rely heavily on food donations so we can spend our funds on veterinary bills and Asda in Runcorn asked us to remove the food basket from their store without reason.

"Fortunately Asda in Widnes, Tesco and Somerfield in Frodsham still support us but we are now having to buy more food than we used to.

"It's not just the animals in our care that we have to feed but we are also feeding local colonies which contain more than 60 feral cats and kittens.

"Another major blow was the new management at Halton Lea refusing to let us have a charity stall there. This stall was always well supported by local people and enabled us to raise much-needed funds."

Over the years Feline Friends has rescued thousands of cats and dogs as well as wild animals. They care for them and then re-home them.

"Many people have contacted us through desperation when one of the larger animal charities have been unable to help them," said Mrs Garner.

"Unfortunately we do not have the funds these do so it is always a struggle for us.

"We are constantly busy and if we can't carry on, I really worry about what will happen to these animals in Halton."

If you would like to help, Feline Friends are based at 2 Market Place, Runcorn old town and open on market days Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (telephone number 01928-578040).

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.