Animal rescue fighting for its future and a new location
A Horsham rescue centre that has been caring for animals for decades is now having to move to make way for a new housing estate.
Holbrookanimalrescuehas been caring for dogs, cats, farm animals and wildlife for the past 26 years on a site in north Horsham – but now has to vacate its premises because of construction of the new Mowbray village where 2,750 houses are being built.
Owners Laura and Cliff Santini are now seeking planning permission from Horsham District Council to build a new rescue centre with animal pens and runs, and associated buildings, along with a two-bedroom house, on land off Jackrells Lane in Southwater.
Kernoncountrysideconsultants,agentsfortherescuecentre, say in a statement to the council: “This is an opportunity to retain an important local enterprise which,throughnofaultoftheirs, must relocate or be lost.”
Animals are currently brought to Holbrook day and night by the police, councils, RSPCA and members of the public.
The centre looks after most typesofanimalinneedofurgent housingandcare,andforrehoming.
Theyaremostlydogsandcats but the centre can also accommodate ponies, goats and sheep, domestic poultry, small birds and wildlife.
There are normally around 30 dogs in care but there is currentcapacityfor33–althoughthe centre says it would never turn away an emergency.
Thedogsarehousedinamixture of kennels and rooms, and the centre provides quarantine accommodation, single and mixed accommodation, outside runs and exercise areas.
Dogs arrive day or night. They are treated medically as needed and rehomed as soon as possible. “Dogs will not be rehomed unless they are suitable forthesituation,andthosewishing to rehome the dogs are suitable for the dog,” say the agents.
"There is no minimum or maximum stay, but most dogs will be there for at least two weeks.somecantakeoverayear to get ready to rehome.”
There are normally about ten cats in care at any one time although the centre has held up to 25.
Cats have a quarantine area, butoncetheyhavebeenchecked byvetstheyareallowedtomixas much as possible.
Larger animals are accommodated as needed. The centre started off 26 years ago mostly dealingwithrescuedhorsesand donkeys, but moved to primarily dogs over about ten years due to need.
Sheep, goats and pigs can all be accommodated because the sitehasadefraholdingnumber.
Itisproposedonthesouthwatersite–currentlyscrubland–to build a new block of kennels and a cattery, field shelters for large animals–donkeys,horses,goats, pigs – parking, office and veterinary facilities.
There would also be quarantine and service areas for laundry, food preparation and storage, office and records, and an area for dogs and prospective newownerstomeetundercover and securely. A small house for the managers is proposed to be attached to the kennels, if planning approval is given.