AN animal shelter has closed its doors for the first time in its 29-year history in an attempt to escape the foot and mouth epidemic.

Managers of the RSPCA shelter at Altham have asked people to help them as they cannot take in any more animals.

Manager Jeanette Ainscough said several cats and dogs that they had arranged to re-home must now be kept in the shelter, as it was impossible to know whether they had been in contact with foot and mouth disease. Although they cannot be infected with the virus, they can carry it on their paws and fur.

Jeanette said: "We can't take in any more animals either as we have three pet sheep here and the fields around us also have sheep grazing.

"We are not allowing any viewing of animals as people could have been in contact with infection and could bring it in on their feet or clothes."

The shelter has a waiting list of more than 200 cats and 150 dogs whose owners want them rehomed.

Jeanette added: "We hope people will be sensible and not abandon animals at our shelter while this is going on as we would not be able to take them in."

Altham is the only RSPCA shelter to close so far and that is because it is in the centre of a livestock farming community.

Blackburn Rambling Association has decided to cancel their programme of walks. Chairman Rita Kay said: "We feel the situation has escalated so much that we must cancel all our organised walks."