RSPCA appeals for help after warning Wallasey animal centre is facing closure

Sep 29 2010 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

RSPCA 300

THE RSPCA is warning the future of its Wirral branch looks bleak unless more money can be found to keep it running.

The Wirral & Chester Branch, based in Cross Lane, Wallasey has already been forced to reduce its services and its clinic in Birkenhead is losing £20,000 a year.

The branch, which has been in existence for around 120 years, has just a year’s worth of running costs in reserve.

Re-homing of dogs has reduced significantly this year because more rescue

dogs are being brought in with on-going health or behaviour issues.

The branch is spending more money on caring and treating these dogs until they are fit to be re-homed.

Last year staff re-homed 700 animals – work costing £1,000 a day.

Branch manager Peter Hattam said: “The clinic in Birkenhead runs at a loss in excess of £20,000 each year and just can’t be sustained.

“It looks likely we’ll need to r face the possibility we might need to close it sometime next year.

“Without the continuing support of the local people it’s possible the local branch will not be able to sustain the local clinic or even the animal centre.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that these things could cease to exist within the next couple of years.”

l If you can support the branch call 638 6318.