East Suffolk Council
Pet food larders open in Beccles, Bungay and Halesworth
Residents in Beccles, Bungay and Halesworth who are struggling to feed their pets due to rising costs can now use one of five community pet food larders.
Some people may be finding it difficult to feed their pet due to the cost of living and may be considering rehoming their pet to save money. To reduce the need for people to make this difficult decision, the new pet food larders provide free dog and cat food, pouches, biscuits and pet litter.
Cllr Letitia Smith, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism said: “Pets are important members of the family and play a huge role in reducing loneliness and improving mental wellbeing. No-one should have to rehome their pet due to rising costs and these new pet food larders will help people who are struggling to continue to take care of their pet.”
Five community venues have agreed to host pet food larders:
- Beccles Library
- Bungay Library
- Bungay Community Support, 8 Marketplace
- Halesworth Community Larder, St Mary’s Church Hall
- St Luke’s Parish Pantry, St Luke’s Church, Beccles
Pet food has been supplied by the RSPCA and the larders are open for anyone to take an item if they need it to help with the cost of living. All of the pet food items are free and there is no need to register.
Sharon Chapman, Library Manager at Beccles Library said: "The pet food kindly donated by the RSPCA has been genuinely appreciated by so many of our library customers - and their pets! All of them have asked us to pass on their thanks."
Chloe Shorten, Head of Animal Welfare from RSPCA Mid Norfolk and North Suffolk Branch said: “We understand it’s a difficult and scary time for many people due to the cost of living crisis and unfortunately rescue centres are inundated so we are having to prioritise the most needy to come into our care. This is why we have teamed up with local councils and food banks to share out food supplies and help keep pets in homes.”