THE Barrow branch of the RSPCA has had to halve the amount of money it gives for vet bills due to the number of uninsured owners asking for help. 

Member Michelle Round said that the shelter on Church Street has also seen a recent surge of cats largely because of 'landlords not accepting pets.' 

"It seems always be moving house and the landlord can't take cats," she said, although she admitted they are a bit 'sceptical' of what people tell them. 

The Furness and Barrow branch is largely volunteer-led with only two paid staff, so on top of working full-time jobs the members have to spend hours cleaning out and feeding the large intake which has come in the 'past few months.' 

Talking about one volunteer, Michelle said she already spends an hour and a half to get around the cattery. "She couldn't be spending two hours cleaning and feeding cats," she said. "We simply don't have that amount of time." 

RSPCA Furness and Barrow on Church StreetRSPCA Furness and Barrow on Church Street (Image: Google Maps)

Michelle added they would never ignore a report of a kitten on the street given how low their chance of survival is. 

In terms of insurance, Michelle said they had been receiving calls from desperate owners asking for help with the £4,000 vet bills after their dog had broken its leg. The branch used to be able to provide up to £100 of assistance but because it has been so inundated this has reduced to £50. 

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"If you've got a £4,000 vet bill £50 is just nothing," Michelle said. "We had to stop because we just had no money left."

The branch also receives many cats that are left by their owners because they are not interested in them. "They are dumping the animals they just don't want them anymore," Michelle said. 

She said the branch would always recommend pet owners get insurance. The branch also asks owners to have a serious think about what they can afford before getting a pet and to save in case there turns out to be any medical issues with the animal discovered after purchase. 

RSPCA branches are operationally independent from the national charity and have to fundraise and volunteer on their own basis.