RSPCA centre now 'the one needing to be rescued'

The centre in East Ardsley says it can no longer afford to take in or rehome dogs

An RSPCA centre in West Yorkshire said it had become the "one needing to be rescued" after rising costs caused the risk of closure.

RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield & District Branch stated its financial situation was "critical", with the centre forced to stop taking in and rehoming dogs.

The self-funded charity in East Ardsley said lower levels of income combined with higher vet and utility bills, overheads and food costs had left its small team of staff facing redundancy.

Caroline Lewis-Jones, chief executive officer, said its financial situation was forcing the centre to make "more radical decisions".

All dogs currently in the centre's care will be rehomed or moved, the branch said.

RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield & District Branch is independent of the national RSPCA

The centre on Moor Knoll Lane is independent of the national RSPCA, meaning it relies on funds from fundraising and its shops.

It cares for dogs, cats and other animals who have suffered abuse or neglect, providing veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and rehoming.

Ms Lewis-Jones said: "We love this place to the bottom of our hearts and it's an emotional journey as well as a financial and practical one.

"We're finding at the moment we're needed more and more but we have less and less money to do it with."

She added: "In a funny sort of way, we're the ones needing to be rescued."

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