Shelter seeks new premises after influx of animals

Roy and Annie Marriott opened Animals In Need in 1990

A charity animal shelter said it has been looking to expand its premises after outgrowing its current site because of an "influx of animals".

Animals In Need, based in Little Irchester, Northamptonshire, has spent 35 years caring for animals, offering medical treatment and rehoming strays.

The shelter currently houses 45 dogs, 55 cats, 50 hens, 30 sheep, five pigs, and around 70 hedgehogs, as well as various birds, foxes and other wildlife.

Annie Marriott, one of the charity's founders, said: "The main factor [for giving up pets] is finances and then the second is marriage or relationship breakdowns, because [pet owners] can't find anywhere to rent that will take the animals.

"[The charity needs] more land, I've been trying to get another farm for years because we've outgrown it.

"We've got three acres and a lot [of the land] has been built on with kennels and catteries and stables, we need grazing [land] and [a new] car park."

There are about 800-1,000 animals at the sanctuary at any one time, the charity says

The animal shelter said pet owners often seek the charity's help when struggling with vet bills, food costs or behavioural issues, adding that some animals have even been abandoned at its gates.

Animals In Need relies on donations to cover expenses, including £5,000 a month for anaesthetics, vaccinations and antibiotics.

Costs are eased by volunteer vets who travel from across the country to treat the pets in the charity's care.

Roy Marriott, who founded the charity in 1990, said: "[The shelter's progress] has gone really well. It's now got its own hospital unit, and we're supported really well by volunteer vets. We couldn't do it without them."

Ms Marriott added: "It saves us thousands, we've got vets from Brighton, London, and local ones, and they give their time for free.

"We have an orthopaedic vet who recently did a £4,000 surgery for free. We're so grateful, and they do a fantastic job."

Reflecting on the shelter's 35-year journey, she continued: "I never thought it would be this big, it blows my brain how much goes on here."