THE owner of an animal sanctuary is facing the heartbreaking reality that she is unable to care for any more hurt or sick animals due to the ravaging impact of Covid-19 on her business.

Mel James runs AniMel Haven on her father’s land at Bank Mill Nurseries at Mawbray near Silloth.

Even before the pandemic, she was struggling because of frequent road closures on the coastal road which takes visitors to the centre.

Then lockdown struck.

She said: “The cafe isn’t open. I am actually the only one her at the moment. We have no customers which means I can no longer depend on donations and the sale of books and bric-a-brac to earn money. I am also unable to go to my therapy classes which brings additional income.”

She said during lockdown she has had 500 hurt and abandoned animals and birds left on her doorstep “and I don’t know how I can turn them away”.

Her feed bill alone is now up to £1,000 a month. She has been hit with two or three unexpectedly high vet bills and a neighbouring cow has pulled down fences.

She said: “Because I have nowhere safe to put the animals, as a result, they are in the garden centre, in my house and I am trying to sneak them into my parents’ house without my Dad noticing!”

But while she can smile about that she is desperate for help.

“I have asked people not to bring me any more animals in the meantime. I am living on reserves and when that goes I will not have enough money to feed and care for the animals I have.

“But I really don’t think I would ever be able to turn a sick animal away. Last Monday I had a really bad day. My mental health was gone.”

She said she needs help - not for herself but for every furry and feathered friend that depends on her.

To help see the donation link on AniMel Haven on Faceook.