Demand for the York pet food bank is soaring in its first year

A woman who set up a pet food bank in York a year ago said demand for the service had increased as the cost of living crisis deepened.

Anne Hirst set up York pet food bank in January 2023 to “help keep animals with families” .

She stores food donations in her garage for people struggling with rising costs.

“Even if I can stop just one pet being abandoned or surrendered, it has to be given a chance,” he said.

Ms Hirst, who worked in animal rescue for 30 years before setting up the food bank, added: “I decided to start this because I had seen some horrific stories of people abandoning pets, pets that save.”

He told BBC Radio York: “I kept thinking ‘what about a pet food bank in York’, but I thought it wouldn’t go away.

“So I did a bit of research and realized that they are set up all over the UK in areas of high poverty where people are struggling to feed their pets.”

Ms Hirst said the project had gone from strength to strength, with donation drop-off points in Acomb, Woodthorpe, Huntington and Naburn.

This winter, more collection points have been added, along with several pet shops and kennels.

“When I started this, I didn’t have a single can of cat or dog food,” Ms Hirst said.

“Since then I’ve pretty much kept up with the donations and haven’t run out or had to close temporarily.”

He said the local community is also behind the project.

“The amount of support is incredible and I really appreciate everyone who has donated, every single can or package of cat or dog food,” she said.

“Demand has grown over the past few months especially as the cost of living crisis has kicked in,” Ms Hirst said.

“Over the past few months, I’ve also had several local human food banks ask if I can donate pet food to them.”

He said it was “sad” pet food banks were necessary, adding: “Unfortunately it’s a sign of the times and because they can’t speak for themselves, pets can be forgotten. .”