The Leeds RSPCA branch faces potential closure due to rising costs and falling donations, after closing dog kennels.
Costs are up, and donations have decreased recently. A large gift from wills is delayed, which pushes the center toward closure. The CEO, Caroline Lewis-Jones, is very upset about it, as they have already had to make some hard cuts.
The dog kennels have closed because of the situation, and they also reduced the staff numbers. She hopes they can turn things around quickly. Having worked there for fourteen years, she never thought this could happen to them.
The branch takes in abused and neglected dogs. One dog, Zeus, was tied to a radiator, unable to move much at all. He is now a wonderful and forgiving dog thanks to the staff who helped him recover. It will be sad to not have dogs in their kennels and they will miss the barking and the playing.
Making treats and toys will stop too. These things make reducing the dog care very difficult. They are trying to save the rest of the center, including the cattery, and want to keep the play area and grooming area open. They need to raise money to do it, and people have already donated tens of thousands of pounds.
They hope to reach their goal of £100,000. The CEO is amazed and humbled by the support because people see that they now need help. Usually, they are the ones doing the rescuing. Now, it is their turn.
She says the support shows they have great friends. People are helping them from everywhere. You do not know how much support exists until your back is against the wall.
You can help in many ways, and giving money is not the only option. They understand that not everyone can give money. People can volunteer their time or shop at their six charity shops.
You never know what treasures you will find there, and it is possible to find something you need. They will take any help they can get, and they have drive-through donation days to enables people to donate items without leaving their cars.
They had a new goods sale on March 1 and 2 where people could find brand new items at low prices. They want to stay in business long-term and hope to keep providing jobs and helping animals.