Rochdale RSPCA urgently needs donations as charity shops close due to coronavirus

The Rochdale RSPCA animal centre is in urgent need of donations as its charity shops have been forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The closure of the local branch charity shops means a loss of approximately £10,000 each month – a significant amount which will affect the centre, one of the largest in the North West.

Trustee David Canavan said: “We are continuing to take animals from inspectors although the centre is closed to the public at the moment. We are also seeing an escalating rise in wildlife which we are taking in, and we could have as many as 80-90 animals in two weeks.

“We can’t survive for much longer without financial support, and we really need the public’s help so we can continue helping the animals which need our assistance.”

The local RSPCA also anticipates that, due to the pandemic, more animals will be abandoned because their owners cannot afford to feed them or pay for their vet bills, or even through their owners become ill or dying.

It is expected that charities across the country are likely to lose hundreds of millions of pounds, and many organisations are already struggling financially. Voluntary-sector leaders had previously warned that the cancellation of fundraising events due to coronavirus could undermine thousands of charities around the country.

The introduction of formal social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine guidance nationally has also had its effect on volunteers across the country. It is estimated that around 12 million people volunteer at least once a month, with the highest rates among the over-65s.

How can I help?

Whilst the centre is closed to the public, the team continues to share their animals looking for a new home on Facebook, where you can register an interest.

• www.facebook.com/RSPCA-Rochdale-Animal-Centre-318291311245

To make a donation, please use PayPal or bank transfer:

PayPal

• rspcarochdale@btconnect.com

Bank details

• Sort code 01-07-44
• Account number 50512137