‘The phone hasn’t stopped ringing’ – Sheffield animal lover sets up food bank for pets

Dog walker and pet nanny Alison Smith, of Woodseats, set up the Sheffield Pet Food Bank two days ago after becoming worried some people may be struggling to look after their four-legged friends.

Since then, 33-year-old Alison said the food bank has attracted more than 100 ‘likes’ on its Facebook page and has already set up four donation stations across the city.

She added they had also received around 40 calls from members of the public wanting to donate items and will be meeting with Thornberry Animal Sanctuary in Dinnington to discuss working together.

“It’s gone a bit mad and the phone just hasn’t stopped ringing,” she said.

“I know that some people are really struggling to make ends meet at the moment and are having to choose between themselves or their pets.

“In that situation most animal lovers will choose their pets or give them up to shelters which are already overloaded.

“I just thought it was really sad that people have to go hungry themelves or give up their best friend and companion because they can’t feed them.”

Alison said she would initially be delivering pet food parcels to those in need, but hoped eventually to have a space where people could collect from.

“Anyone can get in contact and we will try to help them,” said Alison.

“Lots of people are having trouble with Universal Credit at the moment and older people’s pensions don’t go a long way.

"I’m also going to be working with a homeless shelter in Rotherham.”

The animal lover said she was inspired to help after her rescue cat Bernie sadly died and she missed him so much she decided to adopt another rescue called Albert.

“It hasn’t been long since I lost Bernie and I was so sad not to have an animal I could give love to,” said Alison.

"I wouldn’t want that to happen to anyone else.”

Anyone interested in donating to or accessing pet food or supplies from the bank should contact Alison via her Facebook page or email at [email protected].

To find out more, visit www.facebook.com/sheffieldpetfoodbank.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.