A LOCAL RSPCA branch is hoping to help re-home 200 dogs a year with a new proposed dog facility.
RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch which runs The Holdings Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Kempsey, currently houses cats and small animals, and has rehomed more than 1,600 animals since opening in 2016.
They are looking towards building a 20-kennel facility – which will help the branch rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs in need.
Claire Wood, from the RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch, said the Covid pandemic had an impact on their dog adoptions which slowed down considerably.
“This year so far we have rehomed six dogs and currently have three more looking for homes,” she said. “But last year we rehomed just two dogs and in 2020 it was 11.”
“Before the pandemic hit we rented five kennels in private boarding facilities which meant we would, on average, rehome 50-60 dogs per year. But sadly these facilities are no longer available to us due to a change in the way they now operate.
“We are now seeing an increased demand in kennels as more and more dogs need rescue space, so this kennel block cannot be built soon enough!”
They hope to start work on the facility next month, once their new reception block is finished.
One of the dogs at the branch looking for a home is eight-year-old American Bulldog Rupert.
He is currently being cared for by the RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch and is looking for his forever home.
Branch chair Geraldine Haynes, who is also the dog rehoming coordinator, said: “We just love Rupert and really hope his perfect match is just around the corner.
“Rupert is so loving, and really has no concept of his size as he bounds over to greet you, jumping up to say hello and shower you with kisses.
“He loves to play but is more than happy to entertain himself too – he will happily chase a ball a couple of times and then just flop down to chew and toss the ball around.”
Visit www.rspca-worcester.org/animals-for-adoption/dogs and complete a Perfect Match form which should be emailed to [email protected].
The charity are also fundraising to help with the costs of this facility with the Kennel Block Build Appeal.
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/kennel-block-build-appeal to donate.