Plymouth animal shelter seeks help as heating costs soar

Managers at the home say winter is a "challenging time"

An animal shelter in Plymouth is appealing for help to pay its soaring winter heating bills.

The Gables Dogs and Cats Home near Plympton cares for almost 200 unwanted and abandoned pets.

But staff said their monthly electricity bill during the winter had risen from £1,500 to £5,000.

Managers said they had already had to raid their new kennels fund to pay their bills and are now asking the public for donations.

General manager Claire Sparkes said: "The huge increase in our heating costs is really shocking and means we have to ask our wonderful supporters for their help again.

"Winter is always a challenging time for us as the run up to Christmas brings in lots of old animals that people discard to make room for the Christmas puppy or kitten.

"Any donation will make a huge difference and help us to continue to be there for these vulnerable dogs and cats."

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