An RSPCA branch’s animal centre has been temporarily saved after a fundraiser raised more than £50,000 in less than a month.
RSPCA Lancashire East said last month that it would have to stop running its animal centre in Accrington at the end of March without extra funding, putting eight jobs at risk.
The charity said it would transition to a foster-based rescue model which would “significantly limit” its ability to support its staff and the animals they rescue.
But RSPCA Lancashire East revealed this week that its supporters had raised more than £50,000 since last month’s closure announcement.
Individuals, groups and local businesses have held fundraising events and more than 400 new supporters have pledged to join the charity’s Safe Haven scheme by signing up to become regular monthly donors, the charity said.
“Such has been the level of support that the branch is now confident it will be able to keep the animal centre open until the end of June, while trustees continue to explore longer-term opportunities in a bid to continue operating the centre within a more sustainable operational model,” the charity said in a statement.
Jeanette Ainscough, animal care manager at RSPCA Lancashire East, said the charity was “lost for words” at the “incredible support” it had received.
“People have helped deliver thousands of flyers in the local area seeking the support of local people and only last week the Baxenden Brownies held a fundraising sale for us,” Ainscough said.
“Supporters have come up to the centre to have a chat and share memories of adopting their first pet from us, and we’ve also had first-time visitors asking how they can get involved.”
A dog walk at the start of March raised more than £1,400 and Accrington Stanley Football Club hosted a photocall with players and some of the centre’s dogs near its stadium, the charity said.
Shoppers had donated “many hundreds of pounds” through supermarket collections, while a primary school pupil raised £300 by holding a bake sale, it also said.