THE RSPCA across Cheshire has issued an urgent appeal for pet food donations as demand increases due to cost of living pressures.

The animal welfare charity set up its Food Bank Project in 2021 as a result of the financial pressures during the pandemic.

However, the coronavirus crisis, coupled with the current cost of living increase, has seen the need for the foodbank increase now more than ever.

More than 20 RSPCA centres and branches have now teamed up with their local foodbank across the north of England.

Inspector for Cheshire and Merseyside and foodbank coordinator, Leanne Cooper, said: “We are in desperate need for pet food donations at the minute as the current demand for the foodbank scheme is very high.

“Sadly, it seems as though the cost of living increase means that more people are struggling to afford to feed their pets and are relying on the foodbanks more and more. 

“The scheme was set up because we understood that many people were falling on hard times during the pandemic and we wanted to make sure that those who were struggling could still stay with their pets whilst they got back on their feet. 

“We are now bracing for an influx of abandoned pets or owners who have to give them up because they can no longer afford to keep them, but we hope that through the foodbank we will be able to provide some support to people and their much-loved pets.”

The RSPCA is seeing an increase in rescued animals coming into its care with many centres already full and others close to capacity.

At the same time, rehoming is slowing down and there are signs that more people are looking to give up their pets. 

If you would like to support the scheme please take pet food donations to the RSPCA Wirral & Chester branch, Wirral Animal Centre, 32 Cross Ln, Wallasey CH45 8RH, or alternatively donate via their Amazon wishlist.

There is a particular need for wet cat and dog food, as well as small bags of cat and dog dried food of 5kg or below.