A PUB landlady has stepped up to help "life-saving" animal rescues by creating a pet food donation box.
Mary Thornton-Smith who runs the Witch's Brew in Shirley has set up the collection after seeing shelters struggling as more people give up their pets due to the cost of living crisis.
The 59-year-old began the collection this week and has pledged to donate 10p from each pint of cask ale sold on Christmas Eve.
Her donations will be going to Second Chance animal rescue in Southampton and St Francis Animal Welfare in Eastleigh.
Mary said: "I had the idea to collect for rescue centres because I saw a Facebook post from St Francis animal shelter.
"It was about an adult cat and a kitten being left at their gates a few weeks ago in separate cardboard boxes by someone who could no longer afford to have them.
"The weather had been shocking and the kitten was close to death when it was discovered.
"This broke my heart. I knew I had to try to help so I posted on Facebook about the collection point in my pub, The Witch’s Brew.
"I flooded Facebook community pages and over this weekend, the customers, along with folks from the Shirley Freemantle area have donated.
"Beloved pets are being left to rescue centres even more these days as we are all hit by the cost of living increases.
"It isn’t just the price of food, it is the vet visits, yearly booster shots, and of course, the vital pet insurance that need to be taken into account.
"This isn’t just for Christmas, my pub will be an all-year-round collection station. Other places are doing collections too which is fantastic.
"I have also pledged 10p from each pint of cask ale that I sell on Christmas Eve.
"I wish it could be more but the hospitality industry is on its knees. I’m asking for dog and cat food only at the moment."
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A spokesperson for Second Chance animal rescue said Mary's work has been "absolutely amazing".
They said: "We just got some donations from her just the other day. It's absolutely amazing that she has taken it on to help us.
"Around this time of year people do donate more but it's not just needed now it's an everyday thing.
"We do need this and it will help us out in all aspects.
"All rescues have had a dreadful few years. We have really struggled over the last two and have only just started taking in donations again.
"Every bit helps and everyone can help. We are really thankful for Mary."
Donations can be dropped off at The Witch’s Brew Micro Pub on Shirley Road from Thursday to Sunday from 4pm to 10.30pm.
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