A REDDITCH charity worker has launched an animal foodbank, for struggling pet owners.
Anita Arthur from Brockhill set up Animal Food Bank Support UK to help with the cost of pet food.
Since launching six weeks ago the group has already helped more than 400 animals.
Anita said: “Since losing my bulldog Bessie and seeing how the crisis with animals is going I wanted to do something to help.
“I’ve seen people have to give up their pets due to not being able to afford to keep them.”
Anita runs the group with her fellow charity worker Robert Miller.
She added: “Together we are successfully building a fantastic group who we help by supplying food for their animals.
“We give between two to four weeks worth of food depending on what we have available at the time.
“I’m running the group from home and have a network of community helpers up and down the UK who have come on board to help get food to those in need for their pets.
“Our aim is to try and stop a few pets going into shelters – if we can support some people so they are able to keep their beloved pets then a good deed is done.”
Anita set up a fund-raising page where donations can be sent to and they have also been supported by two pet shops in Halesowen.
“As well as support from communities in the West Midlands, we also have several foodbank bins in London, where people can donate items.
“We are not here just for the unemployed, we are here to help anyone who is struggling as this crisis has hit everyone.
“Over the last six weeks we have fed over 400 animals, and we hope to help hundreds more.”
Anita has had nurses, carers, and fire service workers contact her for help.
“People just aren’t earning enough money to keep up with the rising costs.
“No-one should have to be faced with the decision of giving up their pets or going into debt.
“If anyone needs any help please contact our Facebook group, there is no judgement, we just want to help as many people as we can.”
• Visit Animal food bank support_uk on Facebook for more information.
