An animal charity is in desperate need of cash after a neighbour complained about the creatures it cares for.

Artisan Rare Breeds, based in Dartford, needs £700 to build a fence around its compound by April 30.

The neighbour does not want to see nor hear the animals, nor be bothered by visitors, and it is hoped the fence would block out any disturbance.

The woman who donated the land to the charity hopes the fence will help avoid potentially costly and time-consuming legal action.

Some of the rescued animals will also need to be moved and a new 30ft x 10ft wooden shelter for rabbits, owls and turtles built in another part of the park.

Artisan Rare Breeds also cares for exotic types of sheep, cows and birds.

Owner Wayne May said finding new land, and the money to move, would be difficult.

He said: “We need to raise the £700 as it’s absolutely impossible for me to relocate – it would cost thousands.

“With the storms we’ve had recently we almost got into debt with relocating animal sheds and what we have left in the charity is about £200.”

Mr May said anything people could give would be gratefully received.

The charity has even reached hearts across the Atlantic.

He said:“It doesn’t matter if it’s 50p, every single penny counts. We had a $50 donation from Canada last night.”

It is not all doom and gloom for the charity, however, with a new addition boosting Mr May’s morale.

One of only 681 Cameroon sheep in the world was born on Tuesday morning at Artisan Rare Breeds, adding to the organisation’s 25-strong flock.

Mr May was thrilled with the birth but has yet to name the lamb.

He said: “It [the birth] was straightforward, she had it really easy.

“I’ve already had people up to visit and have their photos taken with him.”

Wayne May has warned people against keeping snapping turtles for pets after one was abandoned in Dartford.

The creature was discovered in Hawley Road and is now in the care of Artisan Rare Breeds.

Mr May said the turtle was in good condition when it was found.

He also said that it would be nonsensical for a member of the public to take one on as a pet due to the harm they can cause.

Mr May said: “I can’t get this re-homed because they’re quite dangerous.

“They can remove a little finger without thinking about it. He’s quite large for a captive breed, they do grow out to about a metre across.

“He will stay with us permanently because we can’t take a risk of re-homing him to a member of the public.

“I’d always advise against them.

“There is no real reason for anyone to have one really, unless they are specialised to have one.”