Full wildlife rescue centre shut to new animals

An animal charity is to close temporarily due to the "overwhelming" number of rescue casualties filling its facilities to capacity.

Blyth Wildlife Rescue, which operates across Tyneside and Northumberland, said its hospital and every enclosure was full, while its team of volunteers was being stretched to its limits.

With costs running at a minimum of £1,500 a month, funds had also reached a "dangerously low level" and it was unable to take on new admissions without compromising the welfare of animals already in its care.

It has launched an appeal for donations in the hope it can reopen to new arrivals as soon as possible.

The charity rescues, treats and rehabilitates animals ranging from deer to puffins.

During busy summer months it can receive up to 50 calls or messages for help a day, including referrals from vets.

Trustee Sharon Davies said: "Our 25 volunteers and one part-time member of staff carry out a staggering amount of work.

"It's our 20th anniversary year and we were hoping to focus on that, but we've run out of funds.

"We've got 250 animals and can't take any more, we have to prioritise those currently in our care.

"Our outgoings far exceed income, which is mainly from donations but also a few grants.

"Vets bills are a large outlay - even though we get a good deal from some of them - but rehabilitation is also costly, with medication, food, equipment, utility bills."

Appealing for donations, she said: "Anything helps.

"Obviously cash, but even things like towels, old newspapers, tins of food - anything to save us having to buy them ourselves."

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