RSPCA Lancashire East animal centre saved from closure after community raises more than £110,000

The RSPCA Lancashire East Branch in Altham has thanked the local community for its “overwhelming support” after securing enough funding to keep its animal centre operating until at least June 2027.

The self-funding charity launched an urgent appeal in February after revealing it was considering closing the kennel accommodation at its Altham-based centre because of severe financial and operational pressures.

Since then, supporters, animal lovers and local businesses have rallied behind the charity, helping to raise more than £110,000 through donations and fundraising activities.

More than 280 people have also signed up to the centre's Safe Haven scheme, committing to monthly donations to support its work.

The positive news was announced to members and supporters at the charity's Annual General Meeting, held at Rosegrove Railway Club in Burnley on Wednesday evening.

Centre manager Jeanette Ainscough, who has worked at the branch for 32 years, said she was delighted the centre had been given a lifeline.

She said: “We're all absolutely over the moon that our animal centre at Altham will stay open for at least a further year. This extension has only been possible thanks to the generosity and support of the local community and beyond, and we're so thankful to everyone who has helped us get to this point.

“It's been such a rollercoaster of emotions, but the local community rallied and the true Lancashire spirit prevailed.

“In just four months they have helped us raise £77,000 in individual donations, and our corporate sponsors have brought in a further £33,000.

“It's an incredible amount of money in such a short space of time and we're in absolute awe of what everyone has helped us achieve for the animals who need us most – we really genuinely can't thank you enough for your support.

“I also couldn't be prouder of the Lancashire East team who, throughout this difficult time, have continued to provide the highest standards of care for the animals at our centre.”

The branch, which has operated from its site since the 1970s, rehabilitates and rehomes abandoned, neglected and mistreated dogs rescued by RSPCA officers.

Rising operational costs and a decline in legacy income had left the charity facing a projected deficit of £180,000 by the end of this year. Trustees had been considering mothballing the ageing kennel accommodation and moving to an expanded fostering and foster-to-adopt model for dogs and cats.

However, the success of the fundraising campaign, combined with a generous legacy donation, has enabled the charity to continue operating while it develops plans for the future.

Chief Executive Officer James Stevens said: “We've really been given a lifeline by our supporters and the many individuals, groups and businesses who heeded our call for help.

“The overwhelming public response, together with a generous legacy, have given us the confidence to say we'll be here until at least this time next year – hopefully longer – and we could not be more grateful to everyone for their support.

“The challenge now is to continue this progress so we can safeguard the centre's long-term future.

“We've got some positive plans in the pipeline, including the development of off-lead dog walking areas and setting up a fully-equipped DIY grooming room.

“We're also continuing to explore things like commercial partnerships, home-from-home adoptions so we can better support local pet owners who are struggling to keep their animals, and of course the expansion of our existing fostering network.

“But to do this will require continued public support and we'd love to hear from anyone who would like to help us by making a donation, organising a fundraising event, becoming a corporate partner or a Safe Haven sponsor.”

Anyone wishing to support the charity can find out more through the RSPCA Lancashire East Branch website or by contacting the branch directly.