#SaveOurCentre: RSPCA Wakefield branch launches urgent appeal as money crisis forces animals to be moved out of centre
The local RSPCA branch has launched an urgent appeal, after describing their current financial situation as “critical”.
The RSPCA Leeds and Wakefield branch has launched their #SaveOurCentre appeal following the sharp increase in price for vet bills, utility bills, overhead bills and pet food.
The self-funded centre, in East Ardsley, launched the urgent appeal earlier this week to raise the vital funds needed to keep their animal centre open.
The charity has been active in the branch area since the 1940’s and brought the Leeds and Wakefield area together in 2001, with the current animal centre on Moor Knoll Lane opening in 2015.
For decades, the local branch has rescued, rehabilitated and cared for hundreds of animals including dogs, cats, and small animals.
A spokesperson for the RSPCA Leeds and Wakefield branch said: “The last couple of years have proven to be extremely difficult for our branch financially.
"We are a self-funding branch and seeing lower levels of income to our branch, higher costs in vet bills, utility bills, overheads and food.
"This is all having a significant impact on what we can afford to continue to do and therefore changes are having to be made as a result.”
The financial issues have led to various changes being made to the branch including the temporary stop to the intake and rehoming of dogs, along with a staff restructure.
All dogs that are currently in the centre’s care will be rehomed or moved.
The branch continued: "Our financial situation is now critical, and without immediate support, we could be forced to close our doors, leaving countless abused and neglected animals without the care they desperately need.
"We now desperately need everybody’s support to help keep our animal centre open and allow us to continue our work.”
Following the announcement, the centre has already seen an influx of generous donations from the community – raising over £6000 on their JustGiving appeal page.
Sharing to social media, the centre thanked those for the support.
They said: “We are overwhelmed with the support we have received so far, and we want to thank you all for your kind messages, your generous donations, and for sharing our social media post to spread the word.”