A disabled animal charity is struggling with the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic.

Animal SOS Sri Lanka, which cares for 1,700 dogs and 16 cats on the South Asian island, has seen a dramatic drop in fundraising due to Covid-19.

The charity - which was already struggling financially - says the pandemic initially led to a massive drop in visitors to its Woodford Green store, before having to close after the Prime Minister introduced harsher controls on ‘non-essential’ businesses.

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Many of the animals the charity cares for are injured or disabled.

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Nap time for some of the dogs in Sri Lanka. Photo: Animal SOS

A shipment of essential supplies for the animals has had to be cancelled and the charity's annual fund-raising music festival will have to be postponed.

Charity founder Kim Cooling from South Woodford called on residents to help the charity to get through the pandemic.

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She said: “The charity is struggling financially and the situation is worsening due to the Covid-19 virus. We desperately need funds coming in to meet our huge monthly running costs.

“We are the largest animal sanctuary in Sri Lanka and these animals depend on us to keep them safe and well fed.

“Please help us care for our animals at this difficult time.”

For more information see Animal SOS online.

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