Autumn 201980 years of Rochdale & District RSPCA

The Rochdale & District branch of the RSPCA is celebrating 80 years of operation from the Rochdale Animal Centre on Redcross Street in October. It opened in 1939 as a joint venture with the former National Veterinary Medicine Association (known today as the British Veterinary Association).

The Rochdale branch of the RSPCA was originally established in 1890, operating across a number of local premises, before moving to the former Woodman Hotel on the corner of High Street and Redcross Street in 1939.

In 1916, the branch donated a considerable sum of money to a government appeal to establish an equine hospital for horses injured during World War One.

The original building was eventually demolished and rebuilt as the animal centre which still stands today.

The centre closed in 1998 for a £750,000 refurbishment. However, in 2004, the St John Ambulance gave some adjacent land to the local branch, allowing the construction of a state-of-the- art cattery – the largest in the north west.

The centre finally reopened in 2006 with new facilities including a large meeting room and the new cattery.

An adjacent plot of land was donated to the cause two years later by the local authority, allowing the construction of a secure car park for visitors and a specialised area to exercise dogs.

The local branch takes in over 600 animals and birds each year. Domestic pets such as cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. all receive care and veterinary treatment before being rehomed.

The north region has serious animal cruelty issues and the Rochdale branch would like to increase its capacity to provide care for abused and ill-treated dogs, in response to the huge demand.

The animal centre also acts as a holding centre for wildlife casualties rescued by RSPCA inspectors which, after veterinary assessment, are transferred to the RSPCA’s wildlife centre at Stapeley Grange in Nantwich, or released back into the wild. In the last 12 months, the Rochdale branch has taken in around 400 wildlife casualties.

Though most wildlife is eventually transferred to Stapeley Grange, it is hoped that the Rochdale branch can develop and improve its own facilities for wildlife. The staff have had specialist training in the care of the wide variety of animals and birds that are brought in.

Trustee David Canavan is firm on the local branch’s stance on euthanasia. He said: “We never, ever euthanise a healthy animal. All pets are rehomed and any wildlife capable of surviving is given that opportunity.

“The centre supports people as well. Mental health organisations have reported that animals are so therapeutic for people: they provide companionship and a reason for living.”

With these obvious benefits in mind, David and the rest of the Rochdale branch trustees are looking at refurbishing unused accommodation in the centre into a community hub providing all-important company for animals and humans.

The refurbishment and wildlife developments are expected to cost around £45,000 and the branch is hoping to attract local support.

David added: “It will be a place for people to bond with their common interest in animals, to allow a space for people to meet and also engage with our domestic animals.

“We believe this could make a meaningful contribution in addressing isolation and loneliness whilst building our network of supporters and volunteers.”

The branch currently has around 50 volunteers from all walks of life who lend their time – from college students studying animal care and management to retired people who want to give something back or those who just love animals.

Whilst the Rochdale branch has ambitious plans to ensure their hard work can continue, it has to raise the majority of its own funds.

Volunteers make a critical contribution to thework of the centre. There are currently 11 charity shops: though run by managers, many volunteers help in them by sorting and selling donated goods.

Story of a volunteer

“Volunteering gives me a reason for living.”

Tracey Jolly, of Shawclough, has been a volunteer with the RSPCA Rochdale & District Branch for just over three years.

She volunteers twice a week and told Real Rochdale about what being a volunteer means to her.

“I had been told that I was in remission from having cancer, and I found it really hard to cope.

“When you are being treated, you have that security of the team around you, but when I was told I was in remission, I found that very hard.

“I was very down, and a friend of mine and her daughter had just adopted a couple of cats from here and suggested volunteering.

“It gave me a reason to wake up in the morning and you never know what you’re walking into.

“The biggest shock to me was learning that the branch is self-funded.

“It doesn’t get boring and I’ve learnt so much through being here. Anyone who is thinking of giving it a go, try it. I really love doing it.”

Ways you can help

Contact the centre on 01706 861897.

For advice or information, visit the website: www.rspca-rochdale.org.uk

The Animal Centre on Redcross Street is openeach day between 11.30am and 3.30pm, excluding Wednesdays.