Charity's desperate search as its 'overwhelmed'
BBCA charity which helps wild animals and domestic pets in Wirral said it has been "overwhelmed" with animals needing care.
Celandine Wood Animal Rescue cares for wild animals including foxes, hedgehogs, rabbits and birds - as well as cats, dogs and horses.
The charity said it is "desperately" looking for new land so it can help animals which require specialist treatment.
"We have a lot of wildlife handed in and it is difficult to find people who know enough to do it safely and well," volunteer Penny Rudd said.
She said this year she had helped care for a number of fox cubs and "lots of rabbits".
"Rabbits are tricky to rear especially if they're very small," she said.
"We really need a lot more room to set up a lovely proper facility where we can do more."
She said the rescue centre in Heswall had also been "absolutely overwhelmed with cats this year".
"We've had more cats needing homes and needing our help than ever before."
Dr Sharon Williams, from the charity said the team was working to stop healthy dogs being put down.
"We've got a list of people contacting us every day," she said.
"As soon as a kennel space becomes available we offer that space to another dog."
The veterinary surgeon originally founded the charity over concerns about the number of animals taken to vets for euthanasia for treatable behavioural or medical conditions.
She said her mission is to provide a lifeline to abandoned and neglected pets and try to find them a forever home.
But the constant flow of abandoned animals means the team are now looking to expand.
Eve Gildea from the charity said extra space would also help with socialising animals as they are prepared to be rehomed.
"With the new site it would be nice to be able to have enclosed spaces where we could do this safely and then when the dogs have their own exercise time they can get more freedom as well," she said.
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