Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett

Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column

TWO weeks ago the situation was serious. It’s even worse now. With every passing day, the closures get closer.

Of course, I’m talking about the RSPCA proposals to close Putney Animal Hospital, Southall Cattery and Clinic, the Lockwood Equine Centre and South Godstone Animal Centre. Proposed changes are also likely to affect the RSPCA Wimbledon, Wandsworth and Sutton branch as they use the Putney premises.

The RSPCA say changes are needed as, without them, they are predicting a £47m hole in their finances.

Unless stopped, these closures could take place this autumn. It seems possible that Southall Clinic, which is still closed from Covid-19, may never open again.

This is a clinic which has helped thousands of sick animals in an area of great need. The clinic also frequently offered days when cats could be neutered free without appointment.

Southall Cattery, located on the same site, rehomed around 500 cats last year, accepting cats/kittens from a variety of places such as Harmsworth Hospital, RSPCA Inspectors and the police as well as Putney Animal Hospital.

Just when, due to Covid-19, we’re expecting an increase in abandoned animals, is it really the time for the RSPCA to be reducing their rehoming capacity by closing this shelter?

And don’t let’s forget, it was only 2017, when the Southall premises underwent significant refurbishment.

Crucially, the centres proposed for closure look after animals in postcodes not allocated to any other animal charity hospital such as Blue Cross or PDSA. Different postcodes have different access to such hospitals. Some postcodes (such as the E postcodes) are covered by more than one charity hospital whereas others, such as W3, W5, W7, W13, are only covered by Southall Clinic.

What will happen to animals in these areas, if Southall Clinic closes? Even if postcodes are reallocated, best of luck with taking a sick dog on public transport to the other side of London.

And then there is the question of how did the RSPCA get into this position. There is no doubt the RSPCA does much fantastic work. But there have been well-publicised controversies. Surely, in order to avoid another one, there must be an alternative way to solve their problems without closing much-loved, vital, front-line services?

Things you can do to help include emailing the RSPCA

Chief Executive,

Chris Sherwood, encouraging him to drop the plans, signing the petitions

(available on change. org), writing to your

MP, following the campaigns on social media and donating to keep the centres open.

Southall Cattery may not re-open