A RSPCA clinic is up for sale in a bid to boost funds amid escalating numbers of abandoned animals and repeated attacks by vandals.

The RSPCA Hillingdon clinic, in Uxbridge Road, is set to be relocated to a smaller premises as soon as a buyer can be found.

Staff at the clinic spoke of how the centre was more financially stable following last year's Gazette campaign, but funds to ward of the growing number of animals abandoned by cash-strapped owners are still needed.

Within a week of the 'For Sale' sign being put up, it was ripped down and vandalised twice.

Irene Hansford, chairwoman of RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston and District, said: "It's been put up twice and vandalised twice. It won't go up if the same thing happens again.

"We've just had to spend £3,500 putting shutters on the charity shop windows because they've been kicked in twice. You wonder what this place is coming to."

Each time the 'For Sale' sign is replaced it costs £250. And the clinic is struggling with a rise in unwanted pets as the aftermath of Christmas and the credit crunch take hold.

Hillingdon RSPCA animal welfare coordinator, Liz Sheppee, said: "Rabbits and cats don't cost as much to keep, but dogs are more expensive. I feel sorry for people losing their jobs. They're breaking their hearts signing their pets over, but they can't afford to feed themselves, let alone their dogs."

A seven-month-old Husky, a Dalmatian, a Rottweiler and a Chihuahua are all currently in need of new homes.

A new clinic will be opened in one of the RSPCA charity shops opposite the current site once it has been sold.

Ms Hansford added: "We were worried that people would think the clinic is going. If we can secure a sale we can re-open in similar premises and carry on. We still need support though."

* To adopt an animal or make a donation visit www.rspcahillingdonclinic.o rg.uk, or call 01895 833 417.