Northamptonshire RSPCA cattery and animal shelter announces closure ahead of 'new chapter'

Animal charity the RSPCA has announced its shelter and base of operations in Northamptonshire will shut next week ahead of a 'new chapter'.

The centre in Brixworth, featuring a cattery, kennels and small animals shelter, will shut on November 1.

It is understood the closure is part of a five-year plan to join with Woodside Animal Centre in Leicester and build a new shelter for both services.

But for now, it means goodbye to the home in Creaton Road.

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said all animals at the centre will be spread across the charity's foster network and other adoption homes in the county.

Meanwhile, head of operations Richard Burns told the Chronicle & Echo: "We hope in the long term we can find a piece of land to build our own animal shelter.

"This does not mean we will be looking after any less animals, that's what's important."

The centre, including the Hope Cattery and the Mad House of Tails kennels, were closed to the public throughout the pandemic, but where still able to offer adoptions online and through its Facebook page.A spokeswoman for the charity said: "From the 1 November 2020, the RSPCA Northamptonshire is starting a new chapter and moving on from our base in Brixworth. While we find our forever home, our team will be providing support from all over the county, our animals will continue to be looked after by

our dedicated team of fosterers and carers, and our adoptions team will be on hand to find animals loving homes. And of course, our shops remain open for business.

"This year we have helped over 500 animals and we remain deeply committed to animal welfare within the county. We will continue to work with our inspectors and the people of Northamptonshire to help all animals in need.

"This would not have been possible without the devoted work of all our staff and volunteers who continue to put animal welfare at the heart of all they do, and we remain extremely grateful for them. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff at House of Canine and Mad House of Tails for all their help over the years.

"On behalf of all of us, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has followed us throughout this journey, and we hope for your continued support during these difficult and unprecedented times. We look forward to sharing the next chapter with you. In the meantime, keep in touch and follow our animals on Facebook and on our website, and our new YouTube channel launching early 2021."