Hadlow reptile charity struggles to rehome animals as demand soars

The director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare has said the charity is only able to accept new arrivals on an "emergency basis", as demand for its services soars.

Chris Newman said people were "in tears" when they came to drop their animals off at the centre in Hadlow.

The charity has aimed to raise £100,000 to expand its site.

Mr Newman said people were having to surrender their reptiles to save their homes or be able to eat.

Speaking to BBC Radio Kent, Mr Newman said: "Our biggest challenge is the sheer number of animals we have coming in but the lack of them being rehomed.

"Last year, we took in 2,610 animals compared to around 900 in 2018 - it is a big struggle."

Mr Newman added: "Two tortoises that came in this year - the owner had to surrender them as the cost to run the tortoise house had gone up from £400 per month to £1,600 per month.

The charity is based on the site of Hadlow College and students from the college volunteer on the site, often on weekends as well as during midweek.

Across the region, animal charities have reported a surge in people abandoning their pets due to the cost of living crisis.

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