AN animal welfare charity has issued a plea for more volunteers to come forward after being overwhelmed with the aftermath of unwanted lockdown puppies.

Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare charity, SESAW, is in urgent need of volunteers amid a surge in pets needing care.

The increase is a knock on effect from the increased demand for lockdown puppies.

Many owners were unable to cope with their new pets after returning to work, or suffering financial hardship.

This means that animal shelters are currently swamped with long waiting lists and answer phones full of cries for help, though with the lack of staff there is little they can do.

SESAW, based in Leavenheath, has a number of volunteer roles on offer. 

Jobs include feeding animals, cleaning dog, cat rabbit and chicken accommodations, to walking dogs and grooming cats.

Volunteers would need to be available for the same morning each week to provide help. The charity is also looking for any willing adopters to come forward.

The charity urges willing volunteers, or adopters, to make contact on: 01787 210888, or email info@sesaw.co.uk .