ANIMAL lovers have stumped up £10,000 to help the RSPCA's cash-strapped Stubbington Ark after an emergency appeal.

During the last week, the animal centre has been inundated with more than 350 calls from people wanting to make donations or organise fundraising events.

The centre's manager Mike Ward said: "Our spirits have been lifted by people's generosity and kindness. We cannot thank the public enough.

"The key issue is now to keep the momentum going and build on the £10,000 that has already come in. To support the on-going work of the shelter, which costs £1,400 a day to run, we need to ensure regular income."

Now staff are appealing for people to become a Friend of the Stubbington Ark by donating £3, £5 or £8 a month.

People are also being invited to sponsor a kennel or cat unit on a monthly basis.

Despite the impressive fundraising efforts, planned cutbacks at the ark are already going ahead.

These include:

The wildlife and livestock unit being phased out: foxes, goats, deer, hedgehogs and badgers will be sent to other centres before being released into the wild.

Assessing the chances of rehoming cats, dogs and other pets after three months. Depending on an animal's age and health, staff may decide to put an animal down.

People must now book animals in before turning up. If they turn violent or threaten to kill a pet they no longer want they will be reported to the police.

No longer helping pet owners with veterinary bills after they have adopted animals from the ark.

Lucy Clark, RSPCA spokeswoman said that while the cutbacks were regrettable there was no other option left to the ark, the biggest RSPCA-run animal centre in the country.

"Animal welfare is still our top priority. In the past we have tried to do anything and everything. As a result the ark has grown massively. But we just don't have the income."

The cash crisis is being blamed on fewer people leaving money in their wills to the charity - there has been a 42 per cent drop in legacy income and fewer donations across the board.

If you would like to make a donation to the ark or organise a fundraising event call Kate Browne on 01489 575455.