A CHARITY which looks after abandoned pets has pleaded with people to support them after the coronavirus pandemic has led to a dramatic drop in revenue.

Workers at the Holdings in Kempsey, the site of the RSPCA's Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch, say they have been hit hard after having to close their high street charity shops.

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The charity says it has a 'non-destructive' policy towards its animals but has been left trying to look after them without the usual streams of income.

A spokesman for RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire said:“We are a branch of the RSPCA. We are there to support their good work but we are self funded and an independent charity in our own right”

“These are uncertain times for us and our charity shops in the county have closed, so that source of funding has been shut off.

“During the current pandemic, we are unable to home or foster animals but, at the same time, we bring animals in who need our help. We can’t get our animals treated accept for emergency appointments. For example, our policy is to vaccinate an animal within a short time of arriving but we can’t do that right now.

“We have a non-destructive policy with all of our animals and staff can get on site as we are deemed key workers by the government but we adhere to instructions on social distancing and hand washing. We are making a plea to the people of Worcestershire to support our branch.

“People can make donations via our Just Giving page, our Virgin Money Giving page or they can text ‘HOLD’ to 70450 to donate just £5 – alternatively people can make cheques out to RSPCA Worcester and send to The Holdings, Holdings Lane, Kempsey, WR53FP.

The branch was formed in 1911, and it is run by a board of trustees, which ensures all money donated goes directly for the benefit of the hundreds of animals that come through their doors each year. Many have been abandoned, abused, neglected or injured. Some are unwanted or their owners have died.