A VITAL charity that looks after the welfare of Worcester's neglected animals could close if people don't increase their donations.

The Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch of the RSPCA is more than £28,000 in debt, partly because of a big drop in the amount left to it in people's wills.

The good cause is funded solely by the public, but has seen handouts and legacies reduce dramatically in the past 12 months.

Pam Booker, the honorary branch secretary, spoke exclusively to the Worcester News about the problem.

She said: "It is a tall order each year and we are constantly appealing for more money. Last year we had a total income of £95,783. The year before, this was 108,811, all from fund-raising events and collections we organised.

"Our expenditure for this year was £131,761, compared with £120,000 the year before. After recognising other payments, we were left with a deficit of just over £28,000.

"Most of our expenditure goes to re-homing and boarding centres. We, as a group, would like our own facilities, but we can't afford them and so keep animals with private businesses. A lack of legacies has hit us hard. Last year, this accounted for £22,000 of our income. This year, we were left just £98. That's a big difference."

This is the second consecutive year Worcester RSCPA has found itself in debt. In 2004, it had a deficit of £7,000.

A third bad year, says Mrs Booker, could spell disaster.

She added: "We are not in danger of closing yet, but we would be in trouble if the debt got bigger. We had a similar situation a while ago when the deficit just kept on growing and we were facing closure or not re-homing animals. That sorted itself out and we hope this will too.

"Last year, we investigated 2,409 complaints and made 7,995 visits. We collected more than 2,300 sick or injured animals.

"Without funds from our shops, fund-raising activities, or the much-needed legacies some, if not all, of the animal welfare work would simply not be done."

Anyone who is willing to help the RSPCA can contact the Worcester branch on 01905 841354 or www.rspca-worcester.co.uk