A CARLISLE animal charity is launching its Christmas appeal amid rising demand and veterinary costs as the RSPCA warns of an impending 'winter crisis'

Oak Tree Animals' Charity, which is based in Wetheral, is reaching out to the community for support and it continues to provide care for animals and owners in need. 

Dawn Cox, a spokesperson for Oak Tree, highlighted the mounting physical and financial pressures facing the charity.

She said: “Each year, thousands of animals require our help, and last year, we assisted over 4,300 animals in need. This year, we have faced unprecedented challenges.

"The demand for our community and rehoming services has surged, with over 90 per cent of UK shelters operating at or over capacity. As household finances tighten our costs have also risen significantly.

"Our veterinary bills have increased by 20-40 per cent, and we must raise over £7,300 every day to keep our doors open."

This appeal from the local charity also comes as new figures from the RSPCA show a 30 per cent rise in the number of reports of animal abandonment being made in Cumbria between 2020 and 2023, with 157 reports this year.

Dermot Murphy heads the RSPCA frontline rescue teams and explained how the lingering effects of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis have contributed to the rise in the county.

He said: "The combined effects of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis has created a perfect storm - and means we expect more animals than ever will need our help this year.

"Abandonment calls to our emergency line are now at a three-year high, as we respond to an increasing number of animals being given up and dumped.

“Behind these shocking statistics are thousands of vulnerable animals. Each one is a valuable life in urgent need of our help. 

"We’re desperately concerned about the coming winter months in Cumbria - abandonments have soared and many rescue centres are full to bursting, so we are facing an unprecedented winter crisis."