WEST Hatch RSPCA animal centre is closed until January 2 after four dogs contracted parvo virus, including one which died.

Manager Sally Neale said she hoped the centre would get the all-clear next Wednesday, but it always closed over the Christmas period.

“We are brimming with animals looking for good homes, so hopefully we will re-open with a flourish in January,” said Mrs Neale.

The centre currently houses around 50 dogs and a similar number of cats, as well as other animals such as rats, degus, batteyr chickens and ferrets looking for suitable homes.