‘Help us care for neglected animals for another 100 years’
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
A rallying call has been issued for the region to unite to help provide ongoing care for thousands of neglected and abused animals, as well as people in need of companionship.
It comes as the RSPCA celebrates its 200th anniversary, with individuals, businesses and other organisations being urged to do what they can to help the local branch in Hull and the East Riding continue its vital work.
The branch, based on Clough Road, Hull, opened in 1938, was redeveloped in 1974 and was enhanced with an investment of £1m for new dog kennels in 2019.
Its recent projects have focused on demonstrating how the bond between people and animals can transform lives, including by supporting trauma recovery for veterans and ex-offenders and educating young people about pet ownership.
The RSPCA Hull and East Riding is now calling for businesses and organisations to consider becoming corporate partners, and for individuals to support its fundraising efforts, to help it build a new £750,000 centre which would ensure it can continue caring for animals – and supporting vulnerable people – for another 100 years.
The centre, which would be built on the existing site, would include a new reception and office, state-of-the-art cattery and a rehabilitation and training academy, with the current kennels remaining. The intention is for the new centre to open in 2027.
Speaking at a celebratory event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hull to mark the national charity’s bicentenary, Fred Owen, Chief Executive of the RSPCA Hull and East Riding, said: “Our centre has continued to adapt to the needs of our community.
“Despite the challenging economic times we face, we aren’t slowing down.
‘BRIDGING GAPS IN SOCIETY’: Fred Owen
“Our commitment to our mission has not wavered; in fact, we’re working harder than ever. With your support, we’ll secure the future of this centre for the next 100 years.
“We strive to not only protect animals but also support vulnerable people in our community. Through recent projects, we’ve reached out to those who need hope and healing, such as veterans and individuals facing mental health challenges.
“With animals as our partners, we’re bridging gaps in our society and strengthening our community. But we’re not along in this mission. We’re part of a vibrant third sector here in Hull – a sector essential to the fabric of our city.
“Together, local charities like ours are making a difference in ways that statistics only begin to capture.
“Our true impact goes beyond numbers. Every time a child learns kindness, every time a rescue animal finds a home, and every time a person finds hope where there once was none – these are the victories we share.
“This city is built on empathy, and I’m privileged to be part of a community where so many step forward and make a difference.”
Hull MP William Wilberforce was a driving force behind the formation of the RSPCA as the world’s first animal welfare charity in 1824, and Fred said: “It’s only fitting to honour William Wilberforce – one of Hull’s own – whose relentless drive for justice laid the foundation for what would become the RSPCA.
“Wilberforce understood that change begins with the courage to make a stand, no matter how tough the journey.
“May we continue to build a future where every life – human or animal – finds dignity, care and respect.”
Matt Wright, partnership manager at the RSPCA Hull and East Riding, added: “Our current centre needs a facelift, and we want to make sure it’s fit for purpose.
“The cattery was built in the 1970s. It was state-of-the-art at the time but it isn’t now, and we want all of our animals to have the best possible experience when they’re in our care.
“We also want to improve the facilities around training and rehabilitation, to help tackle the trauma of the experiences the animals have had.
“We can fix broken bones, we can help with injuries and neglect but – much like with our veterans – these animals also have post-traumatic stress, and we need to work on that as well.
“We want to deliver social prescribing at the centre, which is about helping deal with issues like loneliness, homelessness, domestic abuse and leaving the armed forces.
“In addition, we want it to be a centre that’s environmentally self-sufficient in the future, ensuring we can continue for another 100 years.”
To find out more about how to support the RSPCA Hull and East Riding, visit www.rspcahull.org.uk.
