Hot weather having 'huge impact' on animal charity

A wildlife rescue centre has said the recent hot weather has had a "huge impact" on number of animals and birds being admitted.

Cuan Wildlife Rescue, near Much Wenlock in Shropshire, said it had more than 500 animals in its care and appealed for more supplies.

Fundraising manager Kate Thomas they were doing their best to keep their animals cool and the heat was also affecting staff, adding: "This year has been quite unprecedented."

Last year 6,500 animals were cared for by the wildlife rescue centre and Thomas said half way through this year they had already hit 4,000.

She said part of that was because of greater awareness of their work and the centre was now getting more admissions from north Wales, the West Midlands, Herefordshire and Staffordshire.

Thomas said the hot weather was bringing in all sorts of animals.

She also said with climate change expected to lead to more summer heatwaves, "we're always going to be up against these challenges".

The centre said it was currently most in need of:

• Wet cat and dog food
• Dried mealworms/calciworms
• Nurtibird A21
• Live waxworms, mealworms and crickets
• Tissues
• Floating swan and duck food
• Floor disinfectant
• Blue roll/kitchen roll
• Non-bio laundry liquid
• Suet pellets

It has also asked for Amazon gift cards to buy live insects, and donations.

The wildlife rescue centre costs £500,000 a year to run and it said rising admissions meant costs were rising all the time.

It will be hosting its annual open day and dog show next weekend.

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