ANIMAL lovers have been rallying round to throw a financial lifeline to the Fair Oak based St Francis Animal Welfare Shelter.

St Francis, which has provided a safe haven for thousands of unwanted cats, dogs and rabbits, is facing an uncertain future.

Warden Anitra Hillman has warned that if there is a not a dramatic turnaround in the shelter's financial fortunes it could close within the next two to three years.

Since the Daily Echo story highlighting the shelter's financial plight, offers of help have been pouring in.

Thirty people have become new members of the animal charity, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Anitra said: "We have had a quite a few donations and some people have set up standing orders. Other people have been bringing in various bric-a-brac which we can sell to raise funds.

"We are very pleased with the way people have been rallying around to help and they have been young and old."

Pictured right is the special portrait of a dog and cat by Chandler's Ford based artist Anne Marsh. It is being auctioned worldwide through the eBay website to aid the shelter.

While financial support might have declined, the work of the St Francis Shelter has multiplied. This has been reflected in the changes in society and the pressures on life.

The shelter cares for 400 unwanted cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals each year.

Many are victims of domestic break-ups or have been abandoned by owners who did not realise what was involved in owning a pet.

To bid for the portrait go to: www.ebay.co.uk and key in 3752678531.