A rescue centre providing a lifeline for abandoned animals fears for its future after having to close its charity shops during lockdown.

TAG Pet Rescue, which launched 30 years ago, relies on funding from its shops in Broadstairs, Birchington and Ramsgate, with bosses admitting they do not know how much longer they can manage without them.

In the last three weeks alone, the centre, based in Margate, has taken in five stray dogs and the number of cats is expected to rise due to a suspension on neutering while vets deal with emergencies only.

The charity needs to raise £5,000 to cover the cost of care for its animals over the next two months and is making a desperate appeal for help.

Trustee Debbie Channing says despite the coronavirus outbreak, animals are still in need of rescue spaces.

"We expect this demand to increase as the economic and health effects of Covid-19 grow and impact the local community," she said.

"When people are struggling, animals struggle too so we must continue to help them.

"We don’t know how much longer we can manage without the shop income – bills still need paying and animals still need rescuing."

She says the dogs they have taken in are young, healthy and re-homeable so putting them to sleep is not an option.

Ms Channing says kitten season has also started early this year and the centre is already caring for a cat nursing four new arrivals.

"During the Covid-19 outbreak, vets are only able to carry out essential and emergency procedures and no neutering is taking place so we are expecting a very busy summer of pregnant cats and their kittens needing our help," she said.

"Just before the lockdown started we took in a number of cats whose owners had passed away or had to go into care.

"It's likely we are going to be asked to help a lot more cats for this reason and it’s so important we are able to do so, not just for the animals but also to give the owners and their families peace of mind that their pet is going to be safe, well-cared for and found a loving new family."

The centre has launched a fundraising appeal to cover costs.

To donate visit click here.

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