Animal welfare campaigners have urged The Blue Cross to re-look at plans to close two of their animal adoption centres in Northiam and Felixstowe.

Sharon Robinson, who volunteers at the Northiam centre, said:

“The feeling in the area is very emotional at the moment. We have gone from shock to anger and outrage. The centre has been ticking on nicely for 50 years and I think they are being very short-sighted.”

However, The Blue Cross has replied by saying that the centres are “outdated and no longer fit for purpose.”

The Felixstowe Centre was opened back in 1970 and had a major refurbishment as recently as 1999. It mainly cares for abandoned dogs and cats. At Northiam a number of different animals are cared for, including 30 horses which will be rehoused.

The current state of the economy has put a huge strain on The Blue Cross over the past year, with Chief executive Kim Hamilton saying:

“Our charitable funds are becoming increasingly stretched, especially in the current financial climate, while animal welfare issues across the country are changing.”

It looks unlikely that they’ll change their mind based on the outcry from volunteers and campaigns but we’ll keep you updated on the status of the two centres.