THERE are just two weeks left of a free cat neutering scheme designed to reduce the number of future strays in the area.

The campaign has been organised by Okehampton and District Cats Protection to run through the month of May. Last year the branch saw a big increase in the number of cats being abandoned in the area, dealing with at least one incidence a month.

Demand for places in the branch's cat sanctuary also increased dramatically.

This is in parallel with the charity's national figures, which has seen reports of stray cats or calls from people wanting to give up their cats increase by a third since 2009. The situation has been blamed on the hard times being felt by people across the nation as the country has battled the ongoing recession.

The branch has organised the free neutering service for any cats during the month of May for those living in the EX20 postcode area.

Pat Sawyer, branch co-ordinator, is hoping the scheme will encourage those who can not afford to get their pets neutered to do so in the coming weeks to reduce the future strain being put on the charity's resources.

She said: 'The campaign is going well but we need to keep pushing and we are now midway.'

For further details call 01837 55409.

Feel free to leave your name and number on the voicemail facility and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

If you would like to offer a cat a home call 0845 371 2751.