2022 saw an increase in animals entering our care. Multi animal cases were boarded on behalf of the inspectorate, with one case involving over 70 dogs, of which Radcliffe Animal Centre provided care for 50.
Post pandemic concerns combined with the cost of living crisis, became a harsh reality and all animal accommodation was filled to capacity. Many animals were relinquished due to owners being unable to afford vet bills, changes to working hours and family circumstances, loss of housing and employment. Increased abandonments were reported nationally. To deter people from abandoning animals it is imperative we continue to offer help and advice to the public, in an accessible and non-judgemental manner. We continue to provide as much support as we can, offering reduced cost neutering and working alongside local foodbanks.
Animals are spending longer at the centre due to the need for rehabilitation, for health issues and behaviour problems. Veterinary treatment, longer stays and increased animal numbers, inevitably have a cost implication for us, all the more challenging as we try to meet our own day to day running costs amidst rising inflation. Continued efforts are placed on income generation and we are committed to building and promoting a strong and positive reputation, both in person and through social media platforms.
Our educational work post pandemic is thriving once again and we are proud to work within our community to provide animal welfare information and visits for local schools and groups. A number of our video productions were requested for use by the national RSPCA educational and media departments.
Recruitment and training of Animal Care Apprentices was able to restart post pandemic, helping to ensure we are able to fill future vacancies with appropriately skilled and trained employees. The centre manager has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Nottingham, in recognition of her contributions to charitable work. She has also completed a Master of Science degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Lincoln, meaning the centre can provide expertise in behaviour alongside the expertise of the veterinary team. This will ensure staff are appropriately guided and animals and adopters are provided with the support they need. The centre is now in a more professional position to justify decisions associated with rehoming and the implementation of training programmes with due regard to animal welfare, risk and liability.
Undoubtedly, we face a tough time ahead. We remain confident however, that our centre has the infrastructure to support these future challenges, continuing to assist the local community, our local branches and the national RSPCA.
More information about the work of Radcliffe Animal Centre and its facilities can be found on the following video link: Welcome to Radcliffe Animal Centre – RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Centre (rspca-radcliffe.org.uk)
Rehoming numbers 2022 = 673 (these will be affected by long term boarding of case animals)
Dogs 182
Cats 442
Rabbits 45
Other 4
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