SAVE OUR CENTRE APPEAL An Important Update

NEWS RELEASE

Thursday 25 June 2026

RSPCA’s Lancashire East Branch animal centre to remain open for at least another year thanks to “overwhelming” community support

The RSPCA’s Lancashire East Branch has thanked the local community for their “overwhelming support" and says it has secured enough funding to stay open for at least another year.

Supporters, animal lovers and local businesses have raised over £110,000 since the self-funding charity announced in February that it was considering closing the kennel accommodation at its animal centre near Accrington because of severe financial and operational challenges.

A fundraising campaign has also seen over 280 people join the centre's safe Haven Scheme by signing up to become monthly donors.

Such has been the incredible level of support that the Branch is now confident that it will be able to keepthe anima centre open until June 2027 while trustees and staff continue to explore new funding opportunities and corporate partnerships.

Centre Manager, Jeanette Ainscough, who has worked for the Branch for 32 years, said: "We're all absolutley over the moon that our animal centre at Altham will stay open for at least a further year. This extension has only been possible thanks to the generosity and support of the local community and beyond, and we're so thankful to everyone thatt has helped us get to this point".

"It's been such a rollercoaster of emotions but the local community rallied and the true Lancashire spirit prevailed. In just four months they have helped us to raise £77,000 in individual donations, and our corporate sponsors have brought in a further £33,000".

"It's an incredible amount of money in such a short space of time and we're in absolute awe of what everyone has helped us achieve for the animals who need us most - we really genuinley can't thank you enoughfor your support".

"I also couldn't be prouder of the Lancashire East team who, throughout this difficult time, have continued to provide the highest standards of care for the animals at our centre."

The Branch, which has been on the site at Huncoat since the early to mid 1970s, rehabilitates and rehomes abandoned, neglected and cruelty-treated dogs rescued by RSPCA officers.

Because of rising operational costs, coupled with a downturn in legacy income, it had a projected deficit of £180,000 by the end of this year, which had led trustees to consider mothballing the aging kennel accommodation and moving entirely to an expanded fostering and foster-to-adopt system for dogs and cats.

Chief Executive Officer, James Stevens, said: “We’ve really been given a lifeline by our supporters and the many individuals, groups and businesses who heeded our call for help. The overwhelming public response, together with a generous legacy, have given us the confidence to say we’ll be here until at least this time next year - hopefully longer - and we could not be more grateful to everyone for their support. 

“The challenge now is to continue this progress so we can safeguard the centre’s long-term future. We’ve got some positive plans in the pipeline, including the development of off-lead dog walking areas and setting up a fully-equipped ‘diy’ grooming room. We’re also continuing to explore things like commercial partnerships, home from home adoptions so we can better support local pet owners who are struggling to keep their animals, and of course the expansion of our existing fostering network.

“But to do this will require continued public support and we’d love to hear from anyone who would like to help us by making a donation, organising a fundraising event, becoming a corporate partner or a Safe Haven sponsor.”

Anyone wishing to learn more about how they can help should visit the RSPCA Lancashire East Branch website: www.rspca-lancseast.org.uk or email: reception@rspca-lancseast.org.uk