Green light for Thirsk animal centre

19/03/2008

It's 'all systems go' for the major rebuild of The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Topcliffe, Thirsk. Hambleton District Council has given planning permission for the £1.5million transformation of the site. The project will enable the charity to rehome even more needy pets and care for them in state-of-the-art facilities.

Building work will begin in June and is expected to take a year. The centre will continue to rehome cats and dogs on a more limited basis during the construction.

Jackie Haw, Blue Cross deputy manager at Thirsk said: "We are so excited about our rebuild project. It is great that my home town is going to have such fantastic facilities for homeless pets. We will be able to help even more needy local pets and their owners. But we still need to raise funds for the work so any donations, however small, will be gratefully received."

The Blue Cross has launched a fundraising appeal to raise the £1.5m needed to build the new centre. The charity receives no government funding so it relies on support from the public to help the animals in its care. If you would like to make a donation or find out about volunteering opportunities please contact Julie Donn on 01472 353435 or email julie.donn@bluecross.co.uk.

Planned new buildings include:

A modern kennel block to replace the 20 year old building which has become draughty and damp. The new facilities will be more comfortable and less stressful for the dogs so they will be shown at their best and find new homes more quickly.

A dedicated puppy and kitten facility for pregnant mums and newborns who need extra special care. 

A rebuilt isolation block to speed the recovery of sick pets, and to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.

A brand new admission area to help new arrivals adjust to the kennel environment and allow their health and temperament to be assessed.

A new reception area to give pet owners privacy when giving up their pet, which is often for reasons beyond their control and can be a very distressing experience for all parties.

A special play barn to give dogs plenty of exercise and opportunities for training in all weathers.

ENDS
Notes to Editors

Artist impressions of the new centre and images of pets staying at The Blue Cross in Thirsk are available, please contact the press office for details.

Jackie Haw, Blue Cross deputy manager at Thirsk is available for interview on request.

Thirsk animal adoption centre was opened in 1987, and was partly converted from old boarding kennels. One building on the site was an ablution block for the RAF during the Second World War. The centre serves North Yorkshire, Teeside and parts of West Yorkshire. A new cattery and reception was built in 1999. The centre can accommodate up to 24 dogs and 40 cats. Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

To contact the centre please call 01845 577759 or visit them a Parklands, Station road, Topcliffe, Thirsk YO7 3SE. Opening hours: Tuesday Sunday: 10am - 5pm. Closed on Mondays and Bank Holidays.

The Blue Cross animal charity provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees. 

For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact
The Blue Cross: Louise Lee on 020 7932 4066 / 07880 781637 (out of hours) or louise.lee@bluecross.org.uk