An animal rescue centre is campaigning for emergency Government funding as it says it has plunged into financial crisis.

The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) branch in Watford says if it closed its doors for good it would put up to 400 strays and unwanted dogs and cats at risk each year.

The trust is now campaigning for emergency Covid-19 funding to cover a shortfall in vital income that it has lost during its forced temporary closure due to lockdown restrictions.

The centre located on Tylers Way is not expected to reopen until September.

Harrow Times:

Watford centre manager, Jackie de Friez. Credit: NAWT

Centre manager, Jackie de Friez said: "We've been hoping the Government would support us like it eventually has with zoos and aquariums but, so far, nothing has been announced."

She then added despite the trust's financial difficulties the vet bills, food, litter and electric bills remain the same.

She believes the trust will face even more pressures as she fears there will be a spike in unwanted animals once lockdown is fully lifted as people's circumstances at home and work will change.

The centre said it has lost £1,000 a month after its centre cafe closed. All fundraising events also had to be cancelled which resulted in a loss of £15,000.

Visitors were also told they weren't able to enter the centre due to coronavirus restrictions resulting in a loss of entrance fees and sales in reception and its charity shop.

Harrow Times:

Rafiki the dog is one of the animals being cared for at the Watford centre. Credit: NAWT

Harrow Times:

Maisy the cat is another one of the animals being cared for at the centre. Credit: NAWT

She added: "We rely on the generosity of the local community to fund our work and raise money from visitors and year-round events, but lockdown has created a massive drop in income.

"The centre has been quieter during lockdown but we are fully expecting demand for our services to go up, coming just at the time when the real impact of the lack of funding will hit.

"If we can't offer places to animals then I hate to think what will happen to them.

"It will mean the responsibility will fall on the local authority, which is already cash-strapped because of what they've had to do to manage the Covid-19 crisis.

"I dread to think what this will mean for the animals."

The trust is now urging people to write to their local MP about its situation. For more details go to https://www.nawt.org.uk/.