A HAVEN for animals in need is celebrating its 30th anniversary today. The RSPCA centre in Landing Lane, York, was opened on May 31, 1980, and currently holds about 180 animals at any given time.

But branch manager Angela Hunter is keen to let the public know it is not just cats and dogs they can rescue. She said: “We have all sorts of smaller animals available for adoption, from hamsters to house rats, rabbits, gerbils and guinea pigs.

“At the moment the most unusual creature we’re trying to re-home is a cockerel.”

Last year the centre helped find new homes for 844 animals. Angela said: “With smaller animals, people often just go straight to the pet shop, but it would be nice if they would consider rescuing them from us, as we are always full and even have a waiting list.”

For more details on the creatures available for re-homing, visit the centre’s website at rspca-yorkhome.org.uk