RSPCA’s Lancashire East Branch thanks public for their 'overwhelming support'
The community has rallied around an animal charity whose dog kennels are facing closure.
The RSPCA’s Lancashire East Branch has thanked people for their “overwhelming generosity and support” since the charity announced it is considering closing the kennel accommodation at its animal centre in Huncoat due to rising utility, veterinary, staffing, and maintenance costs.
Supporters have raised an incredible £21,500 since news of the branch’s difficult financial situation was made public two weeks ago. Around 390 new people have also signed up to join the centre’s Safe Haven Scheme and become monthly donors.
Jeanette Ainscough, Animal Care Manager, has worked for the branch for 32 years.
“We’ve been amazed at the overwhelming generosity and support of local people who have given so much in such a short time, and we’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to them all," Jeanette said.
“However, we remain desperate for continued and increasing support if we are to achieve our goal and stay open beyond the end of March.
“If the kennels close, we will no longer be able to support the more challenging dogs that are rescued by RSPCA officers from cruelty and neglect. These dogs need significant rehabilitation and training to overcome their fears and challenging behaviours before they can be safely housed in a foster or forever home. This can only be achieved in the safe environment of an animal centre with trained staff.
“The branch has been on the site at Huncoat since the early to mid 1970s, but due to a downturn in legacy income, it is facing severe financial and operational challenges and has a projected deficit of £180,000 by the end of this year.”
The charity is considering moving to an expanded fostering system to help cut costs. Cats are already looked after in foster homes.
James Stevens, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The real challenge has been keeping up with rising utility, veterinary, and maintenance costs (the centre is over 50-years-old) whilst also seeking to mitigate the effect of higher National Insurance contributions and the near 50% cumulative increase in the minimum wage since 2020.
“The charity’s staffing costs have risen by over 31% in the past six years, despite the charity having halved the number of operational kennels and reduced the number of animal care staff during the same period.
“As costs have risen, legacies, which are the main source of our funds, have fallen, and the branch needs to raise an additional £15,000 per month just to break even. It is a worrying time.”
New supporters who have signed up to the Safe Haven scheme will help bring in a guaranteed monthly income of £1,200.
Corporate sponsorship and other income streams are currently being explored, as well as ways of optimising the site’s land in the future, such as developing bookable dog walking or off-lead areas.
The branch’s Burnley charity shop in St James’ Street will continue to operate as normal.
Visit https://www.rspca-lancseast.org.uk/ to support the branch by rehoming an animal, becoming a foster carer, or making a donation.