Volunteers at Second Chance Animal Rescue have been left furious after the centre was targeted by thieves.

The centre is home to chipmunks, rabbits, dogs and cats and has been rescuing animals for more than 30 years.

Vital food supplies have been stolen from the centre just as it is about to take on caring for more animals.

Rose Milne, the co-ordinator at the charity, said: "It's disgusting that people would steal food from rescue animals.

"It's hard enough to raise funds without having this happen."

On top of the donations needed to supply food, the animal shelter also has to spend about £30,000 a year on vets' bills.

Pedigree Chum dog food and Whiskas cat food worth more than £1,800 was taken from a shed outside the centre.

Pets at Home in Eastleigh has offered to donate some food to the charity but Rose believes that it will have to slowly build up the supplies it has lost.

The theft is an extra blow to everyone involved with the charity, as it is hoping to take on a further 19 dogs from Spain in October.

A Hampshire police spokesman confirmed that the theft had been reported and that they were investigating reports of the food being sold in the local area.

Rose added: "There must be somebody somewhere who knows who these people are. To steal from a charity where people donate their time, their money and that's run completely on donations is an utterly despicable act."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 045 4545, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.