Charity's £4m appeal for new animal shelter

Work has already begun on the site, including the demolition of the old kennels

An animal charity has launched a major fundraising appeal to reach a £4m target to cover the costs of rebuilding its animal shelter.

The RSPCA's Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford branch said work was already under way at its Wade Street site in Halifax.

The two-phase development would create a modern, energy efficient facility which would enable it to deliver care in the future, the charity said.

Lauren Moore, the organisation's fundraising manager, said they needed a "community push" to reach their target, having already raised £2.5m.

The charity, which operates independently of the national RSPCA, said the rebuild was essential as the existing kennels could not keep pace with modern welfare standards.

The 45-year-old kennel blocks at the site have already been demolished, with dogs moved to temporary accommodation and cats to a newly sound-proofed cattery.

The centre says the new building will offer modern facilities and enable them to continue to care for animals in the decades to come

Last year, the centre cared for 449 animals and demand for rescue space continued to increase, according to the charity.

The new kennels would offer quieter, safer and more comforting spaces that reduced stress and supported recovery, Ms Moore said.

The replacement cattery would provide natural light in every pen, larger and more enriching environments and a dedicated area for feral cats, she explained.

"This project isn't just a rebuild, it's a fresh start for every animal who comes through our doors," Ms Moore said.

"With over £2.5m already raised, we now need a huge community push to reach our target. Every donation will help secure the future of this centre."

The appeal would run until July 2027 when the final work on the centre was due to be completed, the charity said.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.