A PENSNETT based animal rescue charity is appealing for help to save it from permanent closure so it can continue its work to help abandoned pets.

The team at Ravens Rescue UK, a volunteer led organisation which cares for and rehomes abandoned and neglected animals, has been forced to temporarily close its doors due to a rising vet bill.

The group has a £7,000 vet bill to pay for the treatment of animals currently in its care so cannot take on more new arrivals until the bill is cleared.

Sarah Price, who runs Ravens Rescue UK with her fiancée Ryan Price, said the temporary closure is necessary to protect the charity's future and to ensure the animals in their care receive all the treatments they need.

She said: "We have lots of dogs and cats that have medical issues. We make sure every animal gets everything it needs, we don't want to cut back on the treatments.

"We have never been in this situation before. We have to get it cleared so we can help more and take more animals.

"It is scary that we could have to close for good. It's not what we want."

Sarah said the charity, which has been running for seven and a half years, has faced greater demand this year, with even more people rehoming their pets.

Greater demand has led to rising vet costs as more animals are coming through the door with health issues.

She explained: "There is always a surge in the run up to Christmas and for some reason its been the worst year with a dramatic increase in people wanting to rehome their pets and for abandonment, we have noticed that."

A number of cats and dogs are currently being cared for by Ravens Rescue UK, including three puppies with cleft palettes.

Sarah said they will need funding for treatment in the future, so it is vital the organisation is saved now.

She added: "Every penny people can donate is appreciated, whatever people can donate, it all helps."

To help raise funds, the team are holding a Santa Paws event in Dudley town centre on Saturday December 14, where dog owners can take their pooches to meet Santa and receive a doggy Christmas present.

The event takes place at The Paradise Centre from 11am to 3pm and costs £2 per dog.

Donations to Ravens Rescue UK can also be made by bank transfer, using the account number 53462129 and sort code 20 27 17; by PayPal using ravensrescueuk@gmail.com or via Facebook funding on the group's page.

Alternatively donations can be made directly to Raven Rescue's vets by calling 01902 599880 or by dropping into their charity shops on Market Street in Kingswinford and Sedgley High Street.