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Donations offer RSPCA shelter short-term 'lifeline'

Richard BakerNorth West
News imageRSPCA LANCASHIRE EAST A RSPCA worker sits next to a speckled grey and brown greyhound. The dog is looking at the camera with its tongue out.RSPCA LANCASHIRE EAST
RSPCA's Lancashire East branch had been set to close at the end of the month

A shelter for abused and neglected animals will remain open for at least another three months after public donations helped to secure its short-term future.

The RSPCA's Lancashire East branch, based in Accrington, had been poised to close its kennels at the end of the month - citing financial difficulties.

However, the animal charity has been left "lost for words" after a fundraising drive saw local people went collect £50,000, meaning the shelter can stay open until at least the end of June.

The shelter, which has been open for more than 50 years, called the contributions from dog-walking fundraisers, brownie groups and local football club Accrington Stanley FC, among others, "a lifeline".

News imageRSPCA Lancashire east Charlie, the brindle lurcher, stands in a field. It is an emaciated condition with its ribs clearly visible.RSPCA Lancashire east
The branch rescues dogs in poor condition, like brindle-lurcher Charlie, who was found in an allotment

The centre said it has been struggling with rising utility, veterinary and maintenance costs, whilst seeking to mitigate the effect of higher National Insurance contributions for employees.

Staffing costs have risen by over 31% in the past six years, the charity added, despite halving the number of kennels they operate.

Animal care manager Jeanette Ainscough, who has worked for the branch for 32 years, said: "We are quite simply lost for words at the incredible support we've received - and the outpouring of love and affection that's been shown for our centre and everything we do here".

News imageRSPCA LANCASHIRE EAST Charlie the brindle lurcher, holding a ball in its mouth.RSPCA LANCASHIRE EAST
Brindle-lurcher Charlie has made a significant recovery since arriving at the Accrington shelter

The shelter had been looking at a deficit of £180,000 by the end of the year, but since receiving the £50,000 donation, there are plans to use the time afforded by the funds to explore more "sustainable" operating models for running the facility.

Currently, the centre has 21 kennels and six rabbit pens and cares for 18 animals,however, in the longer term - if the financial challenges persist - the kennel places could be scrapped in favour of an expanded fostering and foster-to-adopt system.

Branch CEO James Stevens said: "There is still a long way to go if we are to keep the kennels open within a new, more cost-effective, model.

"We need to use the lifeline this amazing support has provided to review what we do and how we do it - to ensure we can continue to rehabilitate some of the most traumatised animals".

The branch confirmed they may also explore the possibility of bookable dog walks on the site, to bring in further investment.

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