A PETITION has been launched to try to prevent the closure of an animal hospital.

The Southend PDSA, which provides a free service to pet owners, is set to close this month, leaving those who cannot afford vets fees to travel to the nearest branch of the charity in Basildon.

Fears are growing that animals will be abandoned or their health needs neglected following the closure of the PDSA Pet Aid Hospital in York Road.

Sue Cox, from Southend Animal Aid, has been helping to collect signatures for the petition which has now accumulated 335 names.

She said: “People are desperately worried about how they are going to get to Basildon. Animals could suffer and be abandoned.

“All the rescue centres are full now. People, especially the elderly, won’t be able to get to Basildon with their pets on public transport. It will be impossible for them.”

Ms Cox, 71, from Southend, added: “The PDSA also only charges small fees for things like neutering so now there will be more unwanted animals being born.”

Staff at the Southend branch are expected to move to PDSA Pet Hospital at the Coco Markus Centre in High Road, Vange.

Alison Case, PDSA area veterinary manager, said: “I want to assure local pet owners that our service is not stopping but simply moving. We have put measures in place to ensure continued access to our services for Southend pet owners, and will be confirming the date with our clients very soon.We understand that some people have concerns about travelling to our Basildon site, so would encourage any clients encountering problems to call us directly.”

For more information visit Southend PDSA Closure on Facebook. The petition, PDSA Southend Closing, can be found at Change.org

Pet owners can call the PDSA directly on 01268 555100.