Animal charity submits plans for wildlife hospital
Acanthus Darbyshire ArchitectsAn animal rescue charity has submitted plans for a wildlife hospital.
Pawz for Thought, in Sunderland, wants to build a wild animal veterinary referral centre at its existing base in the North Hylton area of the city.
The application said animals currently needed to leave the charity's site for veterinary treatment and having the facility would "reduce trauma".
The charity said "too often" animals faced "long, stressful journeys or limited treatment options" that could affect chances of survival.
"As a rescue, we see first-hand the heartbreak of wildlife suffering because there is nowhere locally with the specialist facilities they need," it said.
A dedicated wildlife hospital would be "life-changing for the animals we care for and for the rescuers working tirelessly to give them a second chance", it added.
Planning documents said the new building would not be open to the general public and would not create more traffic.
The ground floor of the hospital would include an office space and an isolation room, with two treatment rooms on the first floor.
The planning statement added the referral centre would be a "hub of excellence for wildlife veterinary medicine" and would partner with several veterinary universities and practices to provide experience and training.
A decision is expected later this year after a consultation.
