LOCAL animal welfare charities are bracing themselves for a crises in unwanted and abandoned animals as a result of Covid-19.

Cats Protection’s Newbury Adoption Centre says that they expect to take in some of the 84,000 extra kittens that will be born across the UK this year owing to vets not being able to neuter during the pandemic.

Whilst Dogs Trust Newbury expects to take in some of the 40,000 dogs that will be relinquished due to behavioural issues like separation anxiety.

This could develop as a result of dogs suddenly being left alone when their owners leave them to return to work.

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‘World Animal Week – West Berkshire’ will seek to get the public involved in some events from September 28 to October 4.

It has been launched by the local Cats Protection, Dogs Trust Newbury, RSPCA Newbury and District and National Animal Welfare Trust Berkshire to raise awareness of the impact of Covid on animal welfare, and a likely surge in unwanted animals.

National Animal Welfare Trust Berkshire is seeing a rise in pets being relinquished by owners who cannot afford their care.

Liz Goodman, organiser of World Animal Week – West Berkshire said: “The ongoing pandemic is taking its toll on animal welfare in Berkshire which is why the charities have joined together to launch a unique appeal for funds.

“Issues amongst our organisations include a drop in donations as a result of having to pause some fundraising activities, a rise in the number of requests for financial help and a prediction there will be an increase in the number of unwanted animals as a knock-on effect of the Covid pandemic.

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“None of the charities receive government funding so we would be very grateful for donations to help us continue our vital animal welfare work in these challenging times.”

The appeal has attracted support from celebrity couple Frankie and David Seaman who live in Berkshire and foster unwanted kittens for Cats Protection.

Frankie said: “I have been volunteering with Cats Protection for years now, caring for stray or abandoned pregnant cats and orphaned kittens until they’re strong enough to be rehomed by the adoption centres.

"It’s an often challenging but always rewarding role and David and the whole family like to get involved with socialising the kittens. "It’s really disturbing, then, to hear of more unwanted pets in peril owing to the unique circumstances of Covid-19.”

Liz added: “We know pets have brought a great deal of comfort to their owners’ lives during the pandemic so we also wanted to use this week to celebrate the joy animals bring to our lives.

"We’re working with local schools, companies and West Berkshire Council to promote two key fun events – a ‘Wear your Whiskers’ day on 30 September and a competition where people can tell us how their pet has supported them throughout Covid-19.”

To find out more, please visit www.facebook.com/groups/worldanimalweekwestberks and to donate, please click here – all funds will be distributed evenly among the four charities.