AN urgent appeal for donations, to help keep its homing centres and clinics open has been launched by the RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston and District branch.

During the lockdown, almost all forms of income have ceased, including the temporary closure of its charity shops in Hillingdon, Denham, Slough and Ashford, plus the cancellation of all fund-raising events and collections.

The branch homing centre is unable to arrange any animal viewings or adoptions.

The RSPCA Clinic in Crescent Parade, Hillingdon, has also had to shut its doors.

The branch is currently caring for more than 40 animals, including several dogs and puppies who were brought injust before the lockdown, plus a number of cats who have given birth to litters at the homing centre.

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Between now and the summer, the branch can expect to receive up to 100 unwanted or abandoned kittens.

The charity is asking people to make a monthly or one-off donation to help feed and treat the animals in its care, and to help it continue its operations once the pandemic is over.

Supporters can visit the branch JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/rspcasud/donate or they can make a donation through Facebook at www.facebook.com/rspcahillingdon

You can also call the homing team on 01895 833417.

Chairman Irene Hansford said:“We are completely independent and self-funded, and receive no support from the Government. Every penny will count towards the crucial work carried out by our teams.”

The branch is managing the requirements of its regular clinic ‘patients’ through staff operating remotely from home.