Lulu, a four-year-old stray, was dropped off at South Tyneside and Sunderland Animal Rescue with the injury last week. However, the plucky cat is now on the mend after receiving treatment and surgery. Lulu is one of just many animals saved by the charity since it first opened its doors last November. But now the organisation, which has a charity shop in Dean Road, Westoe, South Shields, is struggling to cope after an influx of abandoned animals. John Arnold, one of the shop's three managers, said: "At the moment we have 61 cats to find homes for." "Our volunteers are looking after about three each. Soon we're going to have to temporarily close our doors because we're at maximum capacity." Like Lulu, who was shot last week, about 20 of the cats are injured or elderly. This, according to Mr Arnold, puts them in a category which means they're never likely to get rehomed. He said: "When we get cats of a certain age, usually they've belonged to an old person who's died." "However, this means they're too old for most people who want a young pet, so they get cast aside." The charity, which also takes in dogs, is getting concerned because kitten season is fast approaching. To try to combat the number of unwanted kittens, a neutering service is being offered for £8 per animal. Mr Arnold said: "People can drop their animals off and we'll neuter the females and spay the males for a small fee" If you would like to offer a home to a cat or dog, or if you'd like to donate items to the shop, call 0161-456-2324. |
