'Overwhelming' support helps RSPCA shelter stay open

An RSPCA shelter that faced closure has said it can remain open for at least another year following "overwhelming" community support.

RSPCA's Lancashire East Branch Animal Centre, located just outside Accrington, has been helping to find homes for abused, neglected and abandoned cats, dogs and rabbits for more than 50 years.

In February, the charity, which is self-funding and relies on donations, said it was poised to close its kennels because of financial difficulties.

Centre manager Jeanette Ainscough said staff were "absolutely over the moon" thanks to "the generosity and support of the local community".

"It's been such a rollercoaster of emotions, but the local community rallied and the true Lancashire spirit prevailed," she said.

"In just four months, they have helped us raise £77,000 in individual donations and our corporate sponsors have brought in a further £33,000.

"It's an incredible amount of money in such a short space of time and we're in absolute awe of what everyone has helped us achieve for the animals who need us most."

The centre said it had been struggling with rising utility, veterinary and maintenance costs, whilst seeking to mitigate the effect of higher National Insurance contributions for employees.

It had a projected deficit of £180,000 by the end of the year, which had led trustees to consider mothballing the aging kennel accommodation and moving entirely to an expanded fostering and foster-to-adopt system for dogs and cats.

Chief executive officer James Stevens said they had been "given a lifeline by our supporters and the many individuals, groups and businesses who heeded our call for help".

"The overwhelming public response, together with a generous legacy, have given us the confidence to say we'll be here until at least this time next year - hopefully longer - and we could not be more grateful to everyone for their support," he added.

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