A Bury cats' rights campaigner is calling for vets to lower their prices after claiming the number of stray cats and kittens has “got out of control".

Heléna Abrahams, 53, has come forward after her campaign group, Gizmo’s Legacy, reportedly observed the number of homeless female cats and kittens dramatically increasing.

“People cannot afford to neuter cats anymore,” said Heléna, who also owns Couture Cat Sitting Services.

“Gizmo’s Legacy has more than 1,500 volunteers across the country, and we have all noticed England is overrun with stray cats and kittens. This is due to the vet’s high prices.

“In my view, cats are not being kept or rescued because vet prices are so high. It is out of control.

“When vets were independent, the pricing was more realistic. Now, since they have targets to hit, prices are hyped up and unaffordable, meaning animals are dumped and owners are unable to afford basic neutering and spaying.

“Vets need to take a good look at the prices they charge. It is unrealistic, especially in conjunction with ridiculous prices for medication, and operations, which can start at £300.”

As of this year, according to financial services comparison website Go Compare, the average cost of neutering a cat in the United Kingdom is £117.30.

This is an increase of 28 per cent since 2022 when cat neutering was on average, £92.

Helena added: “I have spent my whole life fighting for cats. And I will try my best to fix these prices.”

But in response, British Veterinary Association president Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Vets provide highly specialised, tailored medical care to the UK’s animals, and while it can seem costly, the price reflects the investment practices need to make to remain financially viable, open and ready to treat animals coming through their doors with a whole range of medical issues.

“These include equipment, supplies and medicines, alongside the time vet teams dedicate to the care of their patients.

"If people are considering getting a pet, it’s also really important to carefully consider if they can meet an animal’s needs and cover the cost of their care for their entire life, including preventative care such as neutering."

Heléna has also been working tirelessly towards campaigning for the Pets (Microchips) Bill to be passed through Parliament.

The bill, which was supported by former Conservative MP for Bury North, James Daly, would ensure cats are scanned for a chip and returned to owners accordingly if found dead.

Heléna said: “My own cat, Gizmo, was destroyed without my knowledge. I was sent an apology letter, but she should have been returned to me.

“This law will safeguard cats being returned home, and scanners will be supplied to councils when the law is initiated to ensure all cats are accounted for."

To find out more about Gizmo’s Legacy, visit gizmoslegacy.co.uk.