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'Unprecedented demand' forces cat charity to close

BBC A close up of a black and white cat with green eyes. The cat is lying on a platform on a cat tree with a scratching post visible in the background. BBC
The charity said they spend more than £2500 on vet bills each month

A Lincolnshire animal rescue centre said they were "struggling to cope" with “unprecedented’ demand for their help.

The Lincs Ark cat, kitten and rabbit rescue has temporarily closed their doors for the first time in 22 years.

Michele Franks, 65, from the charity, said they “couldn't handle” the growing number of abandoned animals which need care.

“The calls do not stop, something has to be done,” she said.

Michele Franks is holding a black and white cat and smiling, she is standing inside an outdoor enclosure of wood and wire construction.
The rescue has 27 foster families based around Lincolnshire

Ms Franks said the charity, based in Holbeach, had organised a waiting list but said she had no other option but to temporarily close their doors entirely.

“It is horrible, our hands are tied,” she said.

According to Ms Franks, there are a large number of stray cats in Boston and Holbeach.

“There is nothing we can do, the few rescues which are around are all full,” she added.

A black and white cat sticking its head through a hole cut in a cat food box.
Ms Franks believes cat owners need to take greater responsibility for their animals

“Recently we took in a new-born kitten who had its placenta sack still attached.

“It was born on an industrial estate; people just chuck their cats away” she said.

Ms Franks hopes "something can be done" to ease pressure on rescue centres.

"We are tired, rescue centres are all tired," she told BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

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