A campaign has been launched to raise £1 million to help sick animals in rescue centres around the country.

Wetnose Animal Aid is holding a National Wetnose Day on September 26 to raise funds which will be given to struggling animal rescue centres around the UK to help pay off vets bills, buying equipment or animal feed which for many is so desperately needed.

Many centres have suffered a 40pc drop in donations since the credit crisis over three years ago, but still the problems of strays, abused and neglected animals arise every day, especially with horses.

“These rescue centres are experiencing a noticeable increase in animals being ‘dumped’ on them, as owners continue for various reasons not to be able to keep their animals.

“That equation does not balance, and therefore this Wetnose Funday is an important event to help raise serious levels of funds to get the balance back and help rescue centres with the ever increase in sick animals being bought in for care, behavioural problems or treatment,” said Andrea Gamby-Boulget, managing director of Wetnose Animal Aid based at Kirby Cane near Beccles.

“If funds are not available to help our animal rescue centres, who we believe are the forgotten people of the animal world, then many will have to close and more animals could not be re-homed and live out their lives after being given a second chance.

“We will invite schools to join in as we need more veterinary nurses, specialist vets and farriers as well as marine vets and animal experts in general,” she said.

Wetnose Animal Aid for the past few years has had an annual *Wetnose Day* to help animals in care, similar to Children in Need but for strays/pets/wildlife instead of humans. A huge number of events can be organised to help raise funds.

“This year we very much want to focus and help horse and pony sanctuaries, as well as wildlife centres that are having a dreadful time at present,” said Ms Gamby-Boulger.

A large number of celebrities are supporting the event including Amanda Holden, Lorraine Kelly, Rula Lenska, Rick Wakeman and Ben Fogle.

Wetnose Animal Aid shop in Hungate, Beccles, is selling the noses for £1, other pet shops will also be selling noses across the country.

For more information visit www.wetnoseanimalaid.com