Sanctuary in financial 'crisis'

Blue Boy is one of the horses cared for at the sanctuary

A Cornish animal sanctuary has said it is facing a financial "crisis" because of the economic downturn.

The Bolenowe Animal Sanctuary, on the Lizard, is home to more than 50 horses, as well as donkeys, goats and cats.

But rising feed and fuel prices and the minimum wage mean it now costs between £1,000 and £1,500-a-week to run.

Its manager Tony Hichens said: "Closure is not an option, but it's got to the stage where we've got to do something about it."

Closure is not an option, I will fight for it one way or another Tony Hichens, Manager

The charity takes in animals, particularly horses, who need a home or are suffering from neglect or cruelty.

Mr Hichens said, at the moment, they can only accommodate "RSPCA cases".

He said: "Closure is not an option, I will fight for it one way or another.

"But it's got to the stage where we've got to do something about it.

"I think it's better to ask for help before, rather than after."

The sanctuary has two full-time staff and two part-time workers, who look after 54 horses, four donkeys, six goats, two geese, one mule, three ducks and several cats.

It said the revenue it receives from donations, bequests and an on-site charity shop are not enough to cover the rising cost of feed, fuel, vets bills and wages.