Latest stage in renovation starts at fire-hit dogs’ home
BUILDING work has begun on a new state-of-the-art adoption centre at Manchester Dogs’ Home, thanks to the generous donations from M.E.N. readers.
The project marks the next stage of the renovation of the Harpurhey site, following a devastating fire which tore through the home killing dozens of dogs more than two years ago. Ground was broken two weeks ago on a former car park to make way for the new adoption block.
The centre will contain 32 kennels where pooches will live until they find their ‘forever’ homes.
There will also be a central atrium created in the block, which will be used to introduce visitors properly to dogs they are considering taking home.
The new adoption block is expected to be open to the public by July or August this year.
Steve Mapley, the dogs’ home manager, said staff are looking forward to working in the new block.
He told the M.E.N.: “There will be a central atrium so dogs can be introduced to people properly.
“The whole experience will be better for the dogs.
“It has been a little while coming but it is good to see the building work is finally on the way and hopefully it will be open around July or August time.”
Last year, two stray blocks reopened as part of the renovation project.
The two blocks contain 20 kennels, where strays are housed when they are first brought to the home.
When they are ready to meet members of the public the pooches will then be moved to the new adoption centre.
A temporary adoption centre is currently being used while the building work takes place.
Around 60 dogs were killed when a huge fire broke out at the dogs’ home site, Moss Brook Road, on September 11, 2014.
Kind-hearted M.E.N readers stumped up £1.4m within a matter of days to pay for rebuilding the home.
A number of celebrities also chipped in, including The X Factor judge Simon Cowell and footballer Mario Balotelli.
For more information, or to enquire about re-homing dogs, visit dogshome.net