Diss, Mere Street, Pride Animal in crisis after major surge in demand over recent months

An animal rescue centre has declared a state of crisis after demand on its services rose 300 per cent in just four months.

Pride Animal Rescue in Mere Street, Diss, is taking 30 to 40 calls every day while dealing with pet food price increases, vet bills and greater demand due to the cost of living.

“I leave home at 6am each day and I get home at 10pm and the phone never stops ringing,” said owner Chris Coe.

“I do it for the love of the animals and I’ll keep doing everything I can, but ourselves and many other rescue centres are at breaking point.

“People who call the Dogs Trust at Snetterton end up being given our number because they are full, too, so it’s hard for all of us.

“I take no money for what I do and we’re kept afloat largely by our charity shop and donations from people.

“Any excess profits get reinvested in to helping people who are struggling with their vet bills and pet food.

“Our bills to feed the animals here at Pride are £800 to £1,000 per week. We get a big discount from vets but those bills are also huge.”

Mr Coe founded Pride Rescue Centre, which he runs with partner Daniel Carver, in 2021, and has built up a team of 13 volunteers.

Despite the recent difficulties, which Mr Coe primarily attributes to the cost-of-living crisis, the centre has started rehoming animals from across the country, instead of just Norfolk and Suffolk, to help share the demand with other rescue centres.

“We can’t stand by and watch healthy animals being put to sleep,” he said. “If there is anything people can do to help us – it’s mainly pet food donations, foster homes or fundraisers.

“We’re always looking for more loving homes for our animals.”

The rescue centre mostly takes in dogs, with cats sent to an associated rescue, Helping Cats and Dogs, in Basingstoke.

Donations to Pride Animal Rescue can be given to its Mere Street charity shop.