Desperate plight of RSPCA animal rescue centre near Chichester

Emily Parvin with Billy at the Mount Noddy Animal Centre ENGSUS00120120811141926

The closure of the charity’s five shops and cancellation of fund raising events have taken their toll on the centre.

Trustee Fleur O’Kelly said: “It is desperate state of affairs at our animal rescue centre, Mount Noddy.

“It’s been difficult for all of us, but imagine what it’s like for Mount Noddy which provides care for hundreds of dogs and cats needing a second chance in life and a forever home.

“In March, the five charity shops on which it relies for its running costs had to close and shop staff were put on furlough. Worse still, all fundraising activities had to be cancelled, including the ever-popular Dog Show and Open Day at Eartham.

“But the Centre had to keep going throughout lockdown, to look after the abandoned, neglected and unwanted dogs and cats in their care. The vets’ bills keep on coming and the Centre must be financed.”

Animal Centre Manager Susan Botherway said: “It has been a challenging past few months, but the dedicated team has worked incredibly hard continuing to provide essential care for the dogs and cats and ensure every animal gets the treatment, love and interaction that they need.

“With no volunteers able to visit the centre, the dogs have been missing their long walks off site, and the cats have gone without cuddles with the cat socialisers.

“Although we managed to move some dogs and cats out to foster homes, these are limited and so we have not reduced our animal welfare operations over lockdown, meaning we need those vital funds now more than ever.”

They describe the monthly deficit as ‘alarming’ and in a desperate bid to raise funds, the animal centre is appealing to individuals and businesses to make a donation, no matter how small.

They ask for donations to be sent to RSPCA Sussex, Chichester and District Branch, Mount Noddy Animal Centre, Blackmill Lane, Eartham, Chichester PO18 0LL. Registered charity number 206300.

You can also donate at Just Giving: www.justgiving.com/mountnoddy-animalcentre or on the Mount Noddy website at www.rspca.org.uk/local/sussex-chichester-and-district-branch.