A LOCAL animal support group which has been providing homes for unwanted cats since 1985 is facing closure through lack of funds.
The Okehampton and Hatherleigh branch of the Cats Protection League is desperate for more people to get involved in raising funds for the charity.
This year it has cost £24,000 to keep the group going and apart from a small national grant, it is totally dependent on local fundraising.
Founder of the local branch Joan Hutchinson said the present threat was partly due to an amalgamation, for economic reasons, of the Okehampton and Hatherleigh branches earlier this year which had the effect of halving the grant from £6,000 to £3,000 while servicing a wider area.
Mrs Hutchinson said: 'Unfortunately things such as increasing vets' fees, food bills and maintenance of accommodation are outstripping the income.'
This year, the local branch has rescued 300 cats and kittens, the majority of whom have been permanently homed within eight weeks.
Abandoned cats and strays from both domestic and farm environments are rescued and accommodated at the main shelters in Hatherleigh and Sticklepath and at seven custom-built units on volunteers' properties.
Veterinary treatment for sick, mistreated or injured cats is financed as well as a neutering programme aimed at reducing the number of unwanted cats.
'Christmas and the New Year are always busy times for us,' added Mrs Hutchinson. 'It is particularly heartbreaking that our funding crisis should come to a head at this time of year.
'Our friends and supporters have responded magnificently throughout the year and I feel if we can spread our support just a little more widely we can avoid closure.'
Anyone who can help with fundraising events or wants to make a donation should call Mrs Hutchinson on 01837 840610.