RSPCA in search for new site as cash drops £60k

ANIMAL lovers are being asked to help find a new greenfield site for the Halifax, Huddersfield and District branch of the RSPCA.

The charity’s animal centre has been based at Wade Street in Halifax for more than 30 years and has now outgrown the cramped space.

News of the potential move comes after the AGM reported a deficit of more than £60,000 during 2016, which has been attributed to a decrease in legacy and shop income.

Of the charity’s eight shops across Kirklees and Calderdale, one in Hebden Bridge was out of action for almost a year following the catastrophic Boxing Day floods of 2015; another in Elland was affected by the lengthy closure of Elland Bridge.

An added factor was a drop in the level and saleability of shop stock, which exacerbated an already challenging financial situation.

Treasurer Kath Airey said: “It’s very competitive getting good quality donations, particularly any furniture items, though we are happy to arrange collection. Lots of charities want things. That has had a knock-on effect.”

Around 100 volunteers work in the charity’s shops, equating to 540 hours per week. A further 40 to 50 people volunteer in the animal centre each week, notching up more A Colne Valley woman is raising money to save this lamb – tiny Munchkin could be put down if his broken leg isn’t fixed A FAMILY are appealing for help to save an adorable lamb who was left for dead in the road.

The tiny lamb, named Munchkin, was discovered on a road near Marsden by Rianna Mir and may have to be put down after he was found to have a badly broken leg.

Rianna said she was walking home when she discovered the lamb in the middle of the road.

“He had been run over by someone and left for dead. He is the sweetest angel cake.

“We have been taking care of him but his leg is completely broken and for vets to fix his leg it’s going to but we are there to serve the people of Huddersfield as well. We are now looking for a new centre to serve Halifax and Huddersfield.” cost £1,600, which me and my family cannot afford. Please help and send £1 so he can have a pin put in his leg and will be able to walk properly again.

“If he doesn’t have the operation he will most likely be put down as once he gets too big he won’t be able to hobble round on his three working legs.”

Rianna has set up a fundraising page to collect the money needed to fix poor Munchkin.

She added: “He really is the most friendliest, cuddliest bundle of joy and me and my family have fallen in love with him.”

The family are currently keeping Munchkin in a smallholding with their other sheep and the RSPCA have been informed.

Donaldson’s vets in Thongsbridge are looking to treat Munchkin should enough money be raised. Donate at (https://www. gofundme.com/3xcvjew).

The animal centre in Halifax is currently full to capacity, housing 90 dogs, cats, rabbits and smaller animals.

Over 50 more are being fostered, with every animal vaccinated, micro-chipped and neutered.

“Every day animals have to be cared for and fed. Vets’ fees are an unknown element,” added Kath.

She says the time has now come to seek an out-of-town site of between two and five acres that would allow staff to exercise animals in the open air. The animal centre at Wade Street is small with no outside space. However, any new base would need to consider the effect of noise on nearby housing.

“The public are fantastic at supporting us and we are incredibly grateful. Animals deserve a second chance and we want to try and provide it.

“We also take animals that have had a trauma in their lives. They can be with us for months before they are fit to be re-homed.”