Cash crisis at RSPCA Warrington branch (From Warrington Guardian)

Cash crisis at RSPCA Warrington branch

7:20am Thursday 10th November 2011 in News

Chris Walkden, front, with Eddie and Tracey Scotting with Peggy

IT could be a miserable Christmas for the 100 animals currently housed at the RSPCA centre, Slutchers Lane, if staff cannot raise thousands of pounds before the end of December.

The rehoming centre is facing its worst cash crisis since opening in 1984 and could be forced to close after donations dried up, leaving the future of cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds in doubt.

Chris Walkden, manager at the centre, based in Warrington, said: “We have always been in demand.

“We have got a good reputation for nursing back to health cruelty cases that have been abandoned, injured or abused and if an animal needs us we will take them from anywhere.

“We have been told we’ve got enough money for a few months but then that’s it.

“We’re needed so much.”

In 2010, 672 animals were cared for at the centre with 49 per cent being admitted over welfare offences or concerns and up until the end of September this year, 483 animals were cared for with the number of welfare cases rising to 54 per cent.

Treasurer Paul Draycott said: “Our target is to raise £30,000 by the end of the year. If we achieve that it will be a massive boost and put us in a stronger position going into 2012.”

Success stories at the centre include Eddie the two-year-old German shepherd who was painfully skinny when he was taken to Slutchers Lane and Peggy the shih tzu who had lost most of her fur with a nasty skin condition.

Both are now ready to be rehomed thanks to the hardwork and patience of staff.

Lisa McCaulder, Warrington, Halton and St Helens branch secretary, said: “We rely on public donations, legacies and the revenue generated through our charity shops.

“During these difficult times people are not donating as much money but at the same time, more animals need our help than ever before.

“I would appeal to everyone to help us if they can.”

READERS can help by visiting rspcawarrington.org.uk to make a donation or make cheques payable to the RSPCA Warrington, Halton and St Helens Branch branch.

If the centre is not specified they will not receive the cash.

Post them to the treasurer, Warrington Animal Centre, Slutchers Lane, Bank Quay, Warrington, WA1 1NA. Charity shops on Widnes Road, Widnes and Bridge Street, St Helens are open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.30pm and welcome unwanted items or become a volunteer fundraiser by e-mailing trustee Kim Bate at kbfundraising@gmail.com.