RSPCA plans to expand pet food banks in Surrey

The charity said it planned to roll out more pet food banks across England

The RSPCA has announced plans to expand its pet food bank scheme - with outposts in Surrey - to mark its 200th birthday year.

The animal welfare charity introduced the scheme in 2020 to help those facing financial hardship feed their pets, and it said it had since provided 1.6m pet meals.

One pet food bank was set up in Surrey and the charity said it planned to roll out more in the county and across England to ensure "no community goes without".

Alison Fletcher, RSPCA national food bank coordinator, said: "Pets offer a major comfort to loving owners in challenging times and they shouldn’t feel forced to give them up."

The charity's pet food bank scheme supplies almost 140 foodbanks with meals and veterinary vouchers to ensure pets can get any urgent care they need.

Ms Fletcher said RSPCA inspectors, volunteers and branches will be working together to provide pet food to partner food banks to help reach those in need.

The charity said it had provided 15,400 dog meals and 27,270 cat meals to food bank users this year.