A WELL-KNOWN animal rescue centre in Worcestershire has announced with a "heavy heart" its closure.

Worcestershire Rabbit Rescue and Friends has announced it will be closing because of financial struggles. 

The rescue centre - based in Tewkesbury on the Worcestershire and Gloucestershire border -specialises in rehoming rabbits and rodents and has been running for ten years.

They are called to Worcester and the surrounding areas to collect unwanted pets and strays. 

READ MORE: Live updates as caravans block Perdiswell Leisure Centre causing traffic chaos

Founder Jai Barnes said: "It is with an extremely heavy heart that I bring the sad news of the closure of Worcestershire Rabbit Rescue and Friends this year.

"As we approach the ten-year anniversary of the rescue, the emotional and physical toll of running a rescue is very apparent.

Worcester News: The shelter looks after various small animals The shelter looks after various small animals (Image: Worcestershire Rabbit Rescue and Friends)

"The stress of constantly struggling financially, the emotional effects of seeing so much neglect, the minority of unpleasant people and the tiring battle of always having more coming in than those going out to homes has worn me out.

"I’m proud of myself for the years of total dedication to these beautiful creatures.

"The wonderful lives we’ve saved and even those that at least spent their last days knowing love.

"I’m proud I fort through battles I thought would break me but most of all I’m so so grateful for the support of so many."


Want to stay up to date with all the latest news for your local area? It's easy, just sign up for our email newsletters here and all the important stories that matter to you will be delivered straight to your inbox.


Miss Barnes said she set up the organisation almost by accident after she was looking for rabbits to keep her existing pet company. 

She added: "On my quest for a single female as a companion to my own lonely male, I found myself returning home with 11. 

READ MORE: Live updates as large police presence in city estate following incident

"Yes 11 unwanted ex-breeding does and from this, the rescue was born."

Currently, there are eight rabbits and one pig in the Worcestershire Rabbit Rescue and Friends care which need to be adopted. 

Greatfield Small Animal Rescue will be helping the centre continue caring for these animals until they are adopted.

Then the centre will finally close its doors for good.

Miss Barnes said she is always contactable for support and advice for those that have adopted from her and she will always be able to take in any animals previously adopted from the centre.

A digital subscription is the best way to read the Worcester News online, as subscribers have unlimited access to news articles, with fewer ads and interruptions.

Subscribers can also enjoy monthly savings on big brands through the reader rewards scheme, as well as puzzles that can be played online.

Readers can subscribe for just £1 for the first month if they join before midnight on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

Click here for further details.