The RSPCA said they are dealing with a cat crisis across the country due to the rising number of unwanted cats in their care.
In the Lincoln branch alone, there are 115 cats in care, leaving the charity unable to physically and financially take on any more cats in the area.
In a statement, the branch said: “We are currently, substantially over our numbers with cats. We are full to overflowing and cannot fit any more cats in or afford to take anymore on at present.
“We are totally self funded as a branch and receive no government funding or funding from head office.
“We are very sorry that at this time we are unable to help members of the public.”
At the same time last year, the branch had 103 cats in its care. This year it has taken in 209 cats already.
The problem is reflected all around the county and the UK, and there are a variety reasons for the unprecedented rise.
In Lincoln, the charity says the main issue is people not getting their cats neutered, so females are going the the branch pregnant and giving birth to more cats in need of homes.
Other examples include owners no longer wanting to care for them due to vet bills. One example is Bertrum (pictured), who went in with his brother, Bob, after his owner refused to treat an eye problem.
This led to the eye being removed, but he is now looking for a new home with Bob.
Cats are also dumped in boxes outside the centres or on the street, or owners call up after finding their cat is pregnant and don’t know what to do with the kittens.
Rehoming efforts
The RSPCA is calling on residents to help them rehome some of the felines in care, as even fosters and temporary homes are struggling to take in more.
Paul Williams, RSPCA Animal Welfare Manager for the East region, said: “No matter which RSPCA branch or centre you speak to, in no matter what part of the region, they all say the same: they are dealing with a cat crisis and it is getting worse.
“The problem just seems to be growing and growing, now we are at a breaking point and many RSPCA venues are struggling to cope. It is simply that more injured and abandoned cats are coming into RSPCA care than are going out.
“It is really sad because these problems could be avoided if owners just acted responsibly.
“The RSPCA like other charities, needs help from the public – so please if anyone is thinking about taking on a cat, come to the RSPCA first – we have literally hundreds looking for new homes and a second chance.”
The RSPCA are also looking for people to become fosterers for cats, meaning they only have to provide a temporary home for a cat until a suitable forever home is found.
Donations are also always welcome to go towards upkeep and vet bills.
Rehoming a cats and kitten from Lincoln RSPCA costs £40, which includes neutering, flea’d and worming, and any veterinary treatment the cat had whilst in care.
To get more information on fostering or taking in a cat permanently in Lincoln, call Karen on 01522 889372.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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