SCORES of animal lovers offered strays a new home when an RSPCA shelter re-opened, six months after falling victim to the foot and mouth crisis.

But staff at Holker House Farm, Altham, have warned that the money needs to start rolling in to make up for £64,000 in revenue lost when it had to close in March.

The move was to prevent the spread of foot and mouth, although there were no confirmed cases on site.

And after quiet 24 weeks, 130 potential pet owners braved the heavy rain to attend the centre's re-opening day.

The event raised around £200 from a raffle, tombola, cake stall, but deputy manager Steve Carpenter says his eight committed staff will have their work cut out to find the £64,000 deficit in revenues caused by the crisis.

"We are not threatened with closure, but the money needs to start rolling in soon," he said.

It is almost business as usual at the centre, though the staff still cannot accept visitors from the Clitheroe and Barnoldswick region, where there was a recent foot and mouth outbreak.

Traffic will also be restricted from entering the lane leading to the farm and people will have to dip their shoes in disinfectant.

And the grounds of the farm will be out of bounds, with 200 sheep still waiting for a movement order from the Department of Environment Farming and Rural Affairs.

After the first day, Mr Carpenter said: "We have the names of people who are willing to take three of the dogs, two cats, a ferret, budgie and quail.

"But there are 76 dogs, 44 cats, 30 rabbits, six ferrets and budgies, rats mice and gerbils in our care and we are desperate to find owners for them.

"We are not prepared to put any of our animals to sleep so that means there are hundreds of frustrated people waiting to hand over their pets to us.

"There 200 dogs, more than 100 cats and dozens of rabbits on the waiting list. But there's not a lot we can do until we find homes for our existing pets."

Anybody who wants to donate money to the farm or adopt one of their animals should call them on 01254 231118.