Urgent fundraising appeal launched to support Banbury animal rescue group BARKS during coronavirus outbreak

The BARKS facility has temporarily closed for viewings due to coronavirus risks.

Officials with the charity have posted a statement asking the public for help.

The statement said: "During the coronavirus crisis our rescue cats are in lockdown, but we're calling it a 'vacation' to keep them placated. So our lovely temporary residents are going to be with us much longer than we would normally like.

"The same is true at Mary's multi-animal rescue centre in Woodford Halse.

"Through all of this, and recognising how horribly difficult this period is for all of us, we're asking you not to forget these furry folk.

"Inevitably, our fundraising for the spring and summer has been cancelled and with no adoptions we have very little income at all. But we still need to feed and care for the animals and make sure our charity is on its feet for when we can resume normal life.

"So, this is the first of our appeals for you not to forget us."

People can donate by Paypal to [email protected], by cheque to 47 Park End, Bodicote OX15 4DQ, or by direct transfer to Nat West: A/c B.A.R.K.S. A/c No 57097607 Sort code 60 01 35.

For more information on how help BARKS see their website at the following link: https://www.barks.org.uk/donatesupportBanbury Animal Rescue and Kindness Service (BARKS) is a small, local, self-funding, volunteer-run local charity dedicated to the rescue, care and re-homing of cats, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs and small rodents and covering Banbury and surrounding areas, extending into Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.

They have been operating since 1986 and became a Registered Charity in 1997.

They do not euthanise a healthy animal. Seriously ill animals are euthenased on veterinary advice only.

Ann Collins, the chair of BARKS, said: "It's a real strain for small charities like us. We are all volunteers, and several of us donate both time and money, but our real funding comes from adoptions, donations and fundraising.

"As the animals are staying put, there is no activity to create donations, adoptions are impossible, and physical fundraising events simply will not happen."

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