A SHOEBOX appeal for abandoned animals has been launched to help boost donations to help the large number of animals being cared for at a Sale sanctuary.

The Society for Abandoned Animals and Buchanan Veterinary Group have joined forces in the appeal to encourage people to fill a shoebox with items from a wish list for either a dog, cat or rabbit, including a donation, over the Easter period.

The donated boxes can be dropped off at the Buchanan Veterinary Surgery on Princess Road, Urmston, or directly at the sanctuary, just off Dane Road, Sale.

With Easter approaching, the sanctuary becomes busy as an increased number of rabbits are abandoned as unwanted presents, as well as a substantial number of cats and dogs already needing loving homes.

Laura Messenger, fundraising manager at the sanctuary, said: “Last year the society rehomed 354 cats, 45 rabbits and 24 dogs – more than one animal every day.

“The number of unwanted and abandoned animals is increasing every year, but it costs us over £400 per day just to stay open.

“We are always in need of pet food, toys and other items necessary to keep the sanctuary running – that’s why appeals like this can make such a difference to our work.”

The shoebox appeal will welcome all sorts of items including animal toys, nail clippers, brushes, willow sticks and healthy treats.

For more information about the shoebox appeal, contact the sanctuary on 0161 973 5318 or Buchanan Veterinary Group on 0161 748 1124 and ask for Gemma.