HOMES are desperately needed for three four-legged friends who have been in the care of an animal charity for months.

Staff at RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch believe greater financial stresses are to blame for fewer people coming forward to adopt rescued animals.

Lucy, a rottweiler, has been the branch’s longest stayer ever, at 19 months, while Harry, a rottweiler/German Shepherd cross, and Lilly, a black and white short-haired cat, have been in their care for more than a year .

Branch committee member and volunteer Geraldine Haynes said it was not only humans who were being affected by the recession.

“We are desperate to find them their forever homes as soon as possible,” she said.

“Over a year in kennels, well a year and a half in Lucy’s case, is an awful long time in dog years.

“Lucy and Harry really deserve a home of their own.

“If we are unable to find permanent homes, we would consider temporary or longer-term foster homes.

“They have become very fond of each other in kennels and get on well, so they could be rehomed or fostered together or separately. The recession is also hitting fund-raising for our own local branch animal home.

“We are finding it increasingly difficult to raise funds for our much needed rescue and rehoming centre near Worcester.

“RSPCA Worcester branch needs to raise the money to build the dog kennels, exercise areas, cat pens and rabbit accommodation at the five-acre property at Kempsey, which the branch purchased last year.”

Lucy is six years old and came to the branch in September 2010 when the elderly couple who had owned her since she was a puppy were unable to look after her due to their ill health.

Three-year-old Harry was signed over to Worcester RSPCA in April 2011 when his owners had to move house and were not allowed to take him with them.

He is a big, bouncy friendly boy, whose favourite pastime is playing football.

Both dogs have been spayed/neutered, fully vaccinated and identity-microchipped.

They are looking for adult homes as the only pet, because neither dog has been used to living with children or other pets.

Lilly, five, has been with Worcester RSPCA since October after they were asked by another RSPCA branch to take her on.

She is very kennel-stressed, pacing up and down and is therefore in urgent need of a loving new family.

Call Mrs Haynes on 01886 822083 to offer help, or to find out more about animals seeking homes see rspca-worcester.co.uk.