RSPCA Hull needs donations

Our RSPCA dog

RSPCA Hull image credit Hull Daily Mail

In 2014 this woman wrote the following piece in support of the local RSPCA charity based at Clough Road Hull.

Like many people this woman also made a small donation to the charity and hoped for the best so she was sad to read this week that this same local RSPCA is once again facing a huge financial crisis.

But first the background - our piece from 2014.

"The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or the RSPCA, has been the foremost animal charity in the UK for around 200 years. In recent years many other animal charities have been created, some local to the surroundings.

However, to my mind the RSPCA is still the leading animal charity in the UK but it struggles to survive. When the RSPCA was originally founded animal welfare was often not recognised. Ordinary children and people of that time were often left to suffer and so animals were obviously disregarded in many ways.

What the RSPCA showed, within a short space of time of being created though, was that such an animal charity was long overdue. Prosecutions for animal cruelty began and so did the sterling work of the RSPCA.

Almost 200 years later, you would think that we had would have learned a thing or two and animal cruelty be an issue of the past but this is far from the case.

Many people are aware of the acts of cruelty, to animals, meted out around the world, in countries such as China, but surely this does not happen in England?

After all, the English are a nation of animal lovers, aren't they?

Well I hate to admit it but the UK has seen an upsurge in the abandonment and maltreatment of animals in recent years.

Sometimes it is pets, but other times it is farm animals, and the workers that should be caring for them. Abandonment is often blamed on the current economic climate but plenty of pet owners use this excuse to part with their pet and then promptly take another into their home.

Bearing all of this in mind, I was sorry in 2014 to read in the local press that the local RSPCA was facing closure unless donations increased; the branch has been active for 106 years.

With the credit crunch charitable donations have fallen but costs have risen. This is also true of the amount of animals needing this shelter.Unfortunately there are more than ever.

Our RSPCA dog a few years ago

One of our previous dogs came to us via the RSPCA, Clough Road, Kingston-Upon-Hull, East Yorkshire. He had been neglected and in and out of the RSPCA over a few months. They rarely euthanize healthy dogs, so they stuck with it and eventually we adopted this dog.

He was a cross Alsatian or German Shepherd, with the sweetest nature. His two aims in life were to please his owners and to enjoy life. He was an adult dog when he came to us but he had six good years before bad health took its toll; did we have some fun though before he grew ill.

Without the RSPCA this dog would have to be put to sleep."

Donations helped Hull's RSPCA continue but it needs help once more..

Do not forget that the RSPCA is charity based and receives no help from the Government.

In the past the Clough Road branch have had to issue pleas for help and people have rallied and supported this charity, keeping it alive and kicking.

Looking online the Hull branch has previously faced closure more than once but now it needs "£1m to rebuild its Clough Road centre - or it could close."

The centre's last renovation was 80 years ago and it must be brought inline with current welfare standards.

Ways to help include

• a one off donation
• a regular donation via direct debit
• a sponsored event such as a run, walk or haircut!
• a jumble or car boot sale
• a coffee and cake afternoon
• a legacy

The Hull Daily Mail reports "For more details on how you can help call Alison on 01482 343875 or email manager@rspcahull.org.uk. If you are concerned about an animal in distress or wish to report cruelty please call the National Helpline on 0300 1234 999."

• Rescue shelters are busier than ever and in need of what help you can give, be it money or time.
• If you are making a Last Will and Testament consider bequeathing what you can to such charities.
• With house prices tumbling many charities legacies have fallen in value and this adds to their financial problems.