Animal rescue charity shuts temporarily amid 'financial struggles'

A SCOTTISH animal rescue centre has announced it is temporarily closing due to financial pressures.

The team at Underheugh Ark Rescue in Gourock, Inverclyde, said the decision has been made after calculating the costs involved, including an expected vet bill of more than £10,000 for August alone.

The rescue centre said it is still committed to helping seven dogs in need, many requiring immediate medical attention, which adds to the centre's expenses.

A spokesperson for the Underheugh team said: "Due to the constant vet costs, with almost every dog who is coming in, sadly once we bring in the seven dogs that we have committed to helping, we will have to shut for a while to try and get some funds as we can’t continue with the costs we have.

Stitch is one of the dogs being looked after by the team at The Underheugh Ark Rescue (Image: Underheugh Ark Rescue) "For August alone our vet costs will be over £10,000 and we have food, kennelling and bedding costs over and above this.

"It is a difficult decision for us, but sadly one we have to make."

Among their latest arrivals is Stitch, who has acute dermatitis and separation anxiety.

They have asked for donations to help cover the costs involved in looking after Stitch and the other animals in their care.

Donations can be made on Paypal to underheughark@gmail.com, or direct to the centre's bank account. The sort code is 83-22-20 (RBS), and the account number is 16442082 in the name of The Underheugh Ark.