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80 years of Rochdale & District RSPCA “Volunteering gives me a reason for living.”
Tracey Jolly, of Shawclough, has been a
The Rochdale & District branch of the RSPCA branch, allowing the construction of a state-of- volunteer with the RSPCA Rochdale &
is celebrating 80 years of operation from the the-art cattery – the largest in the north west. District Branch for just over three years.
Rochdale Animal Centre on Redcross Street in She volunteers twice a week and told Real
October. It opened in 1939 as a joint venture The centre finally reopened in 2006 with new Rochdale about what being a volunteer means
to her.
with the former National Veterinary Medicine facilities including a large meeting room and the
Association (known today as the British new cattery. “I had been told that I was in remission from
Veterinary Association). having cancer, and I found it really hard to
An adjacent plot of land was donated to the cope.
The Rochdale branch of the RSPCA was cause two years later by the local authority,
originally established in 1890, operating across allowing the construction of a secure car park for “When you are being treated, you have that
a number of local premises, before moving to the visitors and a specialised area to exercise dogs. security of the team around you, but when I
former Woodman Hotel on the corner of High was told I was in remission, I found that very
Street and Redcross Street in 1939. The local branch takes in over 600 animals and hard.
birds each year. Domestic pets such as cats, Tracey Jolly and her dog Willow
In 1916, the branch donated a considerable sum dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. all receive care “I was very down, and a friend of mine and her
daughter had just adopted a couple of cats
of money to a government appeal to establish an and veterinary treatment before being rehomed. from here and suggested volunteering. “The biggest shock to me was learning that the
equine hospital for horses injured during World branch is self-funded.
War One. The north region has serious animal cruelty “It gave me a reason to wake up in the “It doesn’t get boring and I’ve learnt so much
issues and the Rochdale branch would like to morning and you never know what you’re through being here. Anyone who is thinking of
The original building was eventually increase its capacity to provide care for abused walking into. giving it a go, try it. I really love doing it.”
demolished and rebuilt as the animal centre and ill-treated dogs, in response to the huge
which still stands today. demand.
The animal centre also acts as a holding centre companionship and a reason for living.” management to retired people who want to give
for wildlife casualties rescued by RSPCA something back or those who just love animals.
inspectors which, after veterinary assessment, With these obvious benefits in mind, David and
are transferred to the RSPCA’s wildlife centre at the rest of the Rochdale branch trustees are Whilst the Rochdale branch has ambitious plans
Stapeley Grange in Nantwich, or released back looking at refurbishing unused accommodation to ensure their hard work can continue, it has to
into the wild. In the last 12 months, the in the centre into a community hub providing raise the majority of its own funds.
Rochdale branch has taken in around 400 all-important company for animals and humans.
wildlife casualties. Volunteers make a critical contribution to the
The refurbishment and wildlife developments work of the centre. There are currently 11
Though most wildlife is eventually transferred to are expected to cost around £45,000 and the charity shops: though run by managers, many
Stapeley Grange, it is hoped that the Rochdale branch is hoping to attract local support. volunteers help in them by sorting and selling
branch can develop and improve its own facilities donated goods.
for wildlife. The staff have had specialist David added: “It will be a place for people to
training in the care of the wide variety of animals bond with their common interest in animals, to
and birds that are brought in. allow a space for people to meet and also engage Ways you can help
with our domestic animals.
Trustee David Canavan is firm on the local Contact the centre on 01706 861897
branch’s stance on euthanasia. He said: “We “We believe this could make a meaningful
never, ever euthanise a healthy animal. All pets contribution in addressing isolation and For advice or information, visit the website:
are rehomed and any wildlife capable of loneliness whilst building our network of www.rspca-rochdale.org.uk
surviving is given that opportunity. supporters and volunteers.”
The Animal Centre on Redcross Street is open
The centre closed in 1998 for a £750,000 “The centre supports people as well. Mental The branch currently has around 50 volunteers each day between 11.30am and 3.30pm,
refurbishment. However, in 2004, the St John health organisations have reported that animals from all walks of life who lend their time – from excluding Wednesdays.
Ambulance gave some adjacent land to the local are so therapeutic for people: they provide college students studying animal care and
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