Rising costs and verbal abuse blamed for closure of RSPCA clinic in Birkenhead

Nov 3 2010 By Lorna Hughes

THE RSPCA has announced it is closing its clinic in Birkenhead.

In September the charity's Wirral & Chester branch, which runs the service in Livingstone Street, revealed it was losing £20,000 a year.

Trustees have now decided it should shut with immediate effect because of the financial pressures and are also blaming an increasing level of verbal abuse directed at staff.

The future of the clinic has been under review for the past 18 months.

Branch manager Peter Hattam said: “The current economic climate has been very bad news for the branch which has seen a reduction in donations, especially legacies, and decisions have to be taken based on our financial position.

“We have recently also experienced a totally unacceptable level of verbal abuse and attempted physical abuse to our staff.

“It is with great regret that trustees have had to decide to close the clinic, it really is the end of an era, but we must ensure that remaining resources are directed to maintaining our Animal Centre in Cross Lane, Wallasey.”

The branch is still running its animal welfare treatment voucher scheme and users of the clinic who qualify can apply for help with bills via their own vets.

This scheme is in operation throughout Wirral, Ellesmere Port and Chester.

Mr Hattam added: “As with any business, resources have to be managed and priorities set. It is our top priority that all available resources are set aside to ensure that the Animal Centre can continue to support RSPCA inspectors, Animal Welfare Officers and members of the public in reducing suffering to animals and providing them with a second chance."

Donations of food, blankets or money can be made directly to the Animal Centre in Cross Lane, Wallasey, which is open every day except Thursday between 11.30am. and 3.30 pm.