Neglected and abused pets could miss out on vital support to find a new home after an animal rescue centre announced it could close due to financial pressures.
RSPCA Warrington, Halton and St Helens (RSPCA-WHS) said it is struggling to make ends meet to cover the £28,000 income every month needed to stay open. Any closure would mean the centre misses out on reaching its 40th anniversary next year and an uncertain future for the dogs and cats who are helped on their way to a new home every year.
Branch staff and volunteers specialise in helping animals rescued by RSPCA inspectors. A RSPCA-WHS spokeswoman said the team plays a major role in providing medical and behavioural rehabilitation and work with foster families and residents to find “truly loving forever homes”.
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Past animals to benefit include Simba, an American Akita, who endured a “really traumatic start to life”.
Living outside with no shelter, Simba had very little positive human interaction due to neglect he suffered at his owner’s hands.
He was incredibly nervous around humans and only after branch staff’s support did he learn to trust people again.
The spokeswoman said thanks to the RSPCA centre’s love and expertise, Simba is now in his safe forever home, enjoying long daily forest adventures and afternoon naps on the sofa.
She said many more animals who have been the victims of “dreadful abuse” have had a fresh start in life at the shelter.
Running costs include the “lengthy” process of finding foster homes and keeping its 12 kennels and 18 cat pens warm plus vet care, neutering and microchipping.
It also has to fund behavioural training to help animals overcome the trauma of neglect and abuse.
Animals staying at the centre have access to a cat play room, dog lounge, groom room, exercise paddock, and vets suite, which is visited bi-weekly by a veterinary surgeon.
The average stay for a dog in the rescue’s kennels is 93 days and cats can be boarded for up to 180 days waiting for someone to take them in.
Pandemic challenges and rising costs have brought “extreme financial hardship” to the branch, which is funded separately from the RSPCA nationally and generates its entire own income.
The branch has already had to shut the public welfare clinic it ran in Windmill Street in Runcorn, which offered free healthcare for animals.
It has now launched an urgent Save Our Shelter appeal and has called on individuals, community groups, businesses and other organisations to help to secure the charity’s future.
Andrew Heyes, chairman of the trustees at RSPCA Warrington, Halton and St Helens, said: “We have been extremely fortunate to have had some large legacies left to us and some more modest ones and they have tied us over.
“Over the past four years there have been a few £100,000 legacies that have allowed us to weather the storm as long as we have.
“But that isn’t the case now and we are struggling to get vital funds.”
There are several ways to support the appeal.
The branch said the best is to sign up to make a regular donation, or one-off donation and that every penny counts.
Alternatively donate online by visiting rspca-whs.org.uk/save-our-shelter/ or email sos@rspca-whs.org.uk .
Readers wishing to support the campaign can also send a cheque or bring cash donations to the RSPCA Warrington, Halton and St Helens branch on Slutchers Lane, Warrington, WA1 1NA, opening hours are 10am-4pm, seven days a week.
RSPCA-WHS is also on social media, and is a Charity Commission-registered charity, number 232259.
