The owner of a Bishop Auckland animal rescue has revealed she has been forced to "close" following an influx of high vet bills.

Christine Kipling, the sole owner of the Deliverance Charity in Bishop Auckland confirmed the closure on her social media page, which means she is no longer able to take in more animals.

The charity often takes in multiple new rescues a week from across the region that sometimes come into Christine in devastating circumstances such as hit and runs or animals being abandoned.

Christine Kipling.Christine Kipling. (Image: DELIVERANCE) However, a string of difficult cases as well as neutering and microchip fees has withered down her vet's account.

Christine told the Echo: "We have had a couple of weeks where we were spending thousands - literally thousands in a few weeks. This dropped our balance below what is seen as a minimum. 

"We are still closed - but we have had some donations which have been very generous."

She added: "It has just been relentless. It has been a very tough few weeks and I am stressed about everything."

Christine then confirmed that she would be closed until next week and would then re-assess her financial situation.

Christine Kipling.Christine Kipling. (Image: DELIVERANCE) On her Facebook page, Christine wrote: "Unfortunately Deliveroos we are going to have to close our doors with immediate effect.

"We have a very low balance on the vet account which means there are no funds available to treat neuter vaccinate or microchip any further animals.

"Last week we spent around £5,000 on neutering vaccinations and emergency treatment for cats and kittens.

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"We will continue to offer raffles and other fundraising options so please join our Deliverance Fundraising group.

"Please keep supporting us we have taken in a record number of animals this year and the financial drain is monumental."

For anyone wishing to make a donation, call Wilson Veterinary Group on 01388 602707 an ask to make a donation to the account of Christine Kipling.