Dozens of pets were rescued after receivers took over a Bradford city centre pet shop.

Bradford Pet Supplies - which occupies a large section of John Street Market - shut down suddenly on Tuesday.

Staff who turned up for work were told the news by receivers who were removing goods yesterday for auction.

A spokesman from the Department of Trade and Industry said: "A bankruptcy order has been served on Malcolm David Atkinson. The official receiver is looking into the situation and removing assets."

The business has been operating for at least 30 years and traders said it was one of the biggest attractions in the market.

In its biggest haul for at least a decade, the RSPCA removed 46 fish, 24 budgies, 14 rats, two cockatiels, five rosellas, a rabbit, three guinea pigs and a Russian hamster.

The RSPCA is now seeking homes for the pets which have been taken to its Mount Street headquarters and says they are in good condition.

Deputy Animal Centre manager, Alison Maltby, said: "It is the largest miscellaneous number of animals I've seen in my ten years here. They are settling down and we hope people will provide homes for them. We were contacted and asked to take them away. "

But market traders said it was a blow to John Street, where large numbers of businesses have collapsed because of dwindling trade.

They say they have been badly hit by lack of passing trade since the main Rawson Market hall nearby was shut and demolished three years ago.

But Bradford Council will carry out a £3 million refurbishment of the John Street building next year. It will result in the John Street and Rawson market traders and James Street fish market stallholders merging under one roof.

Chairman of John Street Market Traders' Association John Ackroyd said: "It was totally unexpected.

"No-one knew there were any problems and it was always busy. Everyone in Bradford knew the pet shop and it was very, very popular. It's a big loss to the market."

Anyone who wants to offer a home to one of the rescued creatures should call Bradford 735020.