Cost-cutting RSPCA clinic opens

Vet James Rutter said the service should improve animal health

The RSPCA says it hopes its new "affordable" clinic on Anglesey will ease pet owners' concerns about the cost of caring for their animals.

The charity will open the Holyhead clinic for an hour two days a week, and is available to anyone on means tested benefit.

Vet James Rutter said it should improve animal health on the island.

Owners do not have to book beforehand, but will have to provide proof they are on benefits, and proof of ID.

The RSPCA clinic will be held at the Anglesey Pet Clinic, an established small animal vet practice in the town.

It will offer reduced-cost consultations, and cheaper medication for any small pet.

ELIGIBLE BENEFITS Income support Housing benefit Council tax benefit Working tax credit Job seeker allowance Pension credits

Mr Rutter said he expected to see anything from ear infections and fleas to more serious complaints such as diabetes and heart complaints.

"It will mean that pet owners no longer have an excuse for not having their animals checked," he said.

"It is the responsibility of the owner to make sure their pet is healthy, and this clinic should reduce suffering," he added.

Previously, the nearest RSPCA clinic to Holyhead was 40 miles (64km) away at Llandudno Junction.

Mr Rutter said that, judging from his everyday cases, there was a need for the clinic in the town.

"We've recently had a case of a couple of Westies [West Highland Terriers] who were re-homed through an animal charity because they had a condition which was too expensive for the owners to treat.

"That was an extreme example, but we do have people who either have to re-home their pets because they are struggling financially, or we don't see the animal again, and we don't know what happens to them," he added.

The RSPCA Ynys Mon Clinic at Cyttir Road, Holyhead, will open every Wednesday and Saturday between 1200 and 1300 BST. Clients can register up to three pets from the same household and it is not necessary to make an appointment.