THE ANIMAL sanctuary at Kinaldie, near Arbroath, is facing possible closure in the next two years if funding cannot be found to allow the volunteers to carry out their work caring for and rehoming the area’s abandoned pets.

The centre was visited yesterday by Angus MSP Andrew Welsh and Councillor Jennifer Speirs, in a bid to highlight the plight and to try and help secure funding from Angus Council.

It costs around £12,000 a year to run the sanctuary— money provided purely by public donations.

Help For Abandoned Animals vice-chairman Ian Robb, said that the situation was becoming desperate.

He said, “The simple fact is that we are taking in all the abandoned dogs in Angus, providing a service to the community, but not receiving any funding.

“We’ve been doing this for 17 years and now we need help.

“Last year we took in around 120 dogs and successfully rehomed them.

“What would happen to them if we were not here? If the charity goes under, that’s what we are facing in the next couple of years.”

Mr Robb said that a lot of the money was spent on vets bills because many of the dogs are in a poor state when they are found and require treatment.

Mr Welsh agreed that it was vital that the service was maintained in Angus and he, along with MP Mike Weir and Councillor Speirs, have written to the chief executive of Angus Council to ask about possible financial support.

To help the charity, by fund-raising or by providing a home for one of the centre’s current residents, telephone 01241 870529.