More than 1,000 people have signed an online petition to save an RSPCA animal rescue centre.

Charity bosses want to close Willow Farm Rescue Centre at Chilton near Didcot before a replacement building has been found.

Staff have been told the centre will close on September 30 because the charity wants a new centre with more space, including a shop and extra parking.

The petition at savewillowfarm.org is backed a poster campaign warning: “Sign the Petition Or The Bunny Gets It”.

The centre cares for a maximum 20 cats and 20 rabbits and also takes in hens, cockerels and ferrets and campaign leaders fear abandoned pets will struggle to find a home while it is closed.

Volunteer Vanessa Scott, 46, from Didcot, said: “Campaigners have been out in force, placing posters and petitions in shops, garages, and vets’ surgeries.

“People are even displaying posters in their cars and in windows of their homes.

“Willow Farm is the only RSPCA unit in Oxfordshire. If it is allowed to close before a new centre is opened there will be nowhere for vulnerable animals to find help.”

Jo Aldworth, pictured, 59, a mum-of-three from Rowstock, who works part-time at the centre with fellow care assistant Lucia Singer, manager Joan Howard and 20 volunteers, said: “The campaign has got a lot of support and shows how many people want the centre to stay open.

“There are lots of volunteers who would love to be able to carry on the work they do at the centre.”

Ms Singer added: “We understand that trustees have voted this week to shut the centre, but we want to thank all the people who have supported our campaign.”

Farm owner Ingrid Smith said 216 animals were rehomed by the centre in 2010 compared to 150 animals in 2009.

RSPCA spokeswoman Nicola Walker, said: “The decision to close the fostering centre at Willow Farm was not taken lightly.

“The branch is now actively seeking new premises in preparation for when they vacate Willow Farm in September.

“Animal welfare work will continue throughout this transition and animals which would have previously been taken to Willow Farm will be taken to other RSPCA centres or stay with fosterers.”

She said Facebook postings that animals would be put down are “not correct”.