Paws, situated in The Oval, has made the difficult decision to close its doors temporarily as it is struggling to cope financially.

Not only is the sanctuary full to breaking point with rescued animals in need of new homes, but spiralling costs and a £5,000 vet's bill have plunged it into a cash crisis.

Struggling

Now, owner Stacey McSpirit is appealing for help.

She said: "The sanctuary is in crisis. We have never been this badly off before, but everything, including food and the vet's bills, have gone up, and we are struggling. We don't like to close to other animals, but we haven't got any more room, or money, to look after them.

"We would love people to help us, even if it is only with £1, and then we can open again soon."

The sanctuary, which Stacey runs from her home, is currently looking after more than 100 animals, including dogs, cats, horses, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and even a rabbit, and it is full to the rafters.

The huge vet's bill of £5,000 is mainly down to treatment needed to save the life of a six-year-old miniature horse called Pixie.

Pixie, which was rescued from a farm, needed an urgent operation on a blockage in its stomach, with the cost of the operation wiping out all of the sanctuary's savings.

Even after the operation, it was feared Pixie would still die, as its condition deteriorated but, miraculously, he survived and is now on the road to recovery.

"We are so pleased Pixie is better, but its treatment has wiped us out."

Help

If anyone would like to help the sanctuary, call Stacey on 01903 872734, or send cheques (made payable to Paws) to Squirrels Cottage, 15 The Oval, Findon, West Sussex, BN14 OTN. Please include your name and address so the sanctuary can send a letter of thanks.

Paws is also open every Sunday, from 3pm to 5pm, for people to see the animals and have a browse around the gift shop and plant and egg sales.

Click here to see a video of some of the animals being cared for at Paws.