Kentford-based Animal Heath Trust overwhelmed with offers of donations since it announced it was on the brink of closure

The Animal Health Trust has been overwhelmed by offers of donations since it announced that it was on the brink of closure unless a financial rescue package could be put in place.

But well wishers who have asked where and how they could donate have been asked not to send money but instead to spread the word about why the Kentford-based Trust is such a vital resource to animal welfare.

“At this point, we need considerable sums and additional longer-term funding if the charity is to continue,” the Trust has said in a statement.

“We feel it would be disingenuous if we took donations from individuals now and the funds raised are still insufficient to save the AHT and it subsequently closes.

“In this scenario it feels wrong to accept this funding as we would not be able to return it.”

The Trust says it is currently exploring other options and it is hoped that a wealthy individual, corporate or ‘person of influence’ can be found to save the charity.

The internationally renowned AHT, which was founded 78 years ago, carries out pioneering work in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases in dogs, cats and horses at its state-of-the-art veterinary and research centre at Lanwades Park.

An announcement a fortnight ago said that following a period of dire financial constraints and with the coronavirus about to have a direct effect on funding, the charity was likely to close at the end of March putting 257 employees out of work and losing the organisation’s ‘unparalleled knowledge and expertise’.