An animal charity is at breaking point after a drastic rise in the number of abandoned pets.

The Medway branch of the RSPCA rescued a record number of animals last year as people struggle to cope with the cost of looking after them.

The clinic in Walderslade Road, Chatham, is desperate for funds after going £16,000 over budget.

Manager Michele Carr said: "It’s a huge worry. It’s been even worse since January, we’ve been completely inundated.

"A lot of people aren’t getting their animals neutered because they think they can make money selling the offspring.

"It doesn’t work and the pets are just abandoned."

Last year the branch rescued 515 abandoned pets. Some were put in cardboard boxes at the roadside, while others were locked inside empty houses until neighbours raised the alarm.

Last year, the Medway branch treated 111 casualties, including swans, squirrels, owls and hedgehogs.

It also provided subsidised veterinary treatment for 2,427 animals in 2011 and neutered, microchipped and rehomed countless more animals, spending a total of £98,000.

To cope with the rising costs, the charity has had to syphon off funds which were earmarked for building works at the veterinary centre.

It is now due to open its first shop in the Towns to fund the extra work.

Steve Moss, who owns the Manor and Marlowe Park veterinary centres in Strood, has offered the charity his premises in Wells Road, which will sell books, clothes and second-hand pet supplies.

If you can help with donations, call the clinic on 01634 681187 or visit www.rspca-medway.co.uk

It also provided subsidised veterinary treatment for 2,427 animals in 2011 and neutered, microchipped and rehomed countless more animals, spending a total of £98,000.

To cope with the rising costs, the charity has had to syphon off funds which were earmarked for building works at the veterinary centre.

It is now due to open its first shop in the Towns to fund the extra work.

Steve Moss, who owns the Manor and Marlowe Park veterinary centres in Strood, has offered the charity his premises in Wells Road, which will sell books, clothes and second-hand pet supplies.

If you can help with donations, call the clinic on 01634 681187 or visit www.rspca-medway.co.uk