AN animal charity struggling to keep afloat has twice become the target of thieves in the last month.

Only Foals and Horses, on Red Shell Lane, in Oswaldtwistle, is a registered charity that looks after more than 70 abandoned ponies, horses and donkeys, and even cares for a number of goats and sheep.

The charity is currently full to capacity and struggling to raise the £4,500 it needs a week, in this time of recession.

The thieves who targeted the charity only managed to get away with a collection box that contained up to £50.

But they also caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage by smashing windows to a number of the office buildings.

Joey Lomas, fundraiser for the charity said: "I have no idea why the charity keeps being targeted, but at night it is very secluded up here. It is awful that somebody could steal money that has been donated to the charity to help us look after the horses.

"Things are hard , anyway, especially in times of a recession, but these thefts have really been affected us.

"The volunteers have also been concerned about the national outbreak of E.coli. Even though the farm has not been affected we are worried it may stop people visiting us and making those donations we so desperately need."

The charity is now appealing for your help.

Anything from donations of unwanted good quality clothes or books, sponsorship of £1 a week or by adopting an animal for £15 a year would really make a difference.

For more information call the sanctuary on 239995.