Rising bills could force RSPCA shelter to close

An RSPCA shelter faces closure amid a rise in bills and a decline in the number of people leaving gifts in their wills.

RSPCA's Lancashire East Branch Animal Centre, located just outside Accrington, has been helping to find homes for abused, neglected and abandoned cats, dogs and rabbits for over 50 years.

The charity, which is self-funding and relies on donations, said it is looking at "a deficit of around £180,000" by the end of the year.

Chief executive officer, James Stevens, said: "We've been drawing down on our reserves for a number of years now but it's simply not sustainable longer term."

Stevens added: "Our animal centre is over 50 years old and needs a significant amount of structural work.

"Legacy income has seen a substantial decline in recent years, whilst utility and veterinary bills have gone up sharply."

The centre, on Enfield Road in Altham, currently has 21 kennels and six rabbit pens and cares for 18 animals.

As it has a well-established foster network, it is looking at closing its 21 kennels for the foreseeable future and expanding the fostering and foster-to-adopt system.

Stevens said: "A home environment can be life-changing for animals who are worried or fearful and it can also be hugely beneficial for young and older animals, so moving to this model has real animal welfare benefits."

Trustees are also looking at other ways they can make more use of the site's land in the future, including the possible development of bookable dog walking or off-lead areas at the site.

"Of course we fully recognise these operational changes will mean restructuring and reducing the available animal roles at the centre and our responsibility now is to consult with those staff who might be impacted by the changes," Stevens added.

"We're naturally devastated to be having to consider these changes but we're having to look at more cost effective options.

"As much as we value all the centre has done over the years, we need to be realistic about the financial challenges we're facing and make sensible decisions that will allow us to continue delivering our much-needed animal welfare work in the future."

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