Northamptonshire animal sanctuary faces closure due to 'spiralling' costs

An animal sanctuary which is home to more than 800 cats, birds and rabbits is facing closing its doors due to "spiralling" costs.

The Northamptonshire Animals Needing Nurturing & Adoption, known as NANNA, opened 20 years ago with the aim of adopting and rehoming stray and unwanted pets.

But the charity said the cost of food, bedding and vets' bills now meant it might need to close its doors.

In 2023, the charity spent almost £70,000 on bills.

The founders said taking in cats had become particularly expensive with each cat now making the centre a loss of £68.

Petrina Alderman, co-founder of NANNA, said: "We've been going 20 years and it's always been hand-to-mouth.

"We've never had a situation where we're comfortably off, but this time it's really hits us.And while there's always been a light at the end of the tunnel, this time, it's just a very dim flicker."

The sanctuary is also home to abandoned and unwanted dogs.

The increasing numbers have meant the charity has had to do extra screening for illnesses which also adds to the costs.

Ms Alderman said despite the difficulties the sanctuary was facing, she was determined to keep the shelter open.

She said: "We cannot afford to close. I've got over 800 animals relying on us and I'm not going to let them down. So somehow we're going to have to make it work."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know