£1.5m appeal launched to refurbish West Sussex animal rescue centre
The project aims to build a better future for the area's unwanted and neglected animals
An animal rescue centre in West Sussex is launching an appeal to help it build a better future for the area's unwanted and neglected animals.
The RSPCA's Sussex Chichester and District Branch needs more than £1.5 million to fund improvements to its Mount Noddy rescue centre in Eartham, near Chichester.
Their 'Big Build' refurbishment project is due to cost £3.42 million, more than half of which has been provided by a large legacy left to the branch.
The project, which is due to begin in January, will replace the centre's original building, which is more than 50 years old.
It will allow new kennels and a cattery to be built which will be much larger than the current ones, to help hundreds more animals and create the facilities and support they need to recover and go on to find loving homes.
Bestselling author and vet Bruce Fogle, RSPCA Sussex Chichester and District Branch president said:
"Our aim is to create the very best shelter facilities at Mount Noddy to help the cats and dogs that come into our care find their forever homes.
"Knowledge of what helps animals recover when they come into shelters has come on in leaps and bounds over the years and with this legacy and the support of local businesses and the community, we have an exciting opportunity to create the best possible environment to help them.
"What a challenging time to be launching an appeal but I am always astounded and impressed by how generous people are with their time or money to help the animals in need that come into our care every day."
The Big Build will create 21 standard dog kennels, six extra-large kennels for family groups or big dogs, 41 cat pens and six large maternity pens for mums and kittens.
In addition the scheme will create enrichment walks for dogs at the centre, secure exercise areas and a wildlife corridor to encourage wild birds and animals to flourish on the site.
Animal centre manager Su Botherway said:
"The dogs and cats that come to us need more help now than ever before and our current kennels and cattery facilities aren't up to the job.
"We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals but many that come into our care are damaged and need our expertise before they are able to go to new homes.
"We need an environment where they feel safe and we can minimise the stress they are suffering while we help them recover."
In 2019, Mount Noddy Animal Centre took in 326 animals - 106 dogs and 219 cats.
The new facilities will enable the branch to help even more.
Residents and businesses can help fund the Big Build by buying a kennel and cat pen that can be named after them, donate money, time, surplus stock to shops, hold fun fundraising events or become a corporate friend.
Su said:
"Every penny really does count.
"Like most charities we have struggled this year with our charity shops, which provide our main income, having to close.
"But we hope people will help make our vision become a reality of building the best animal welfare for the future."
For information on ways to get involved and help the branch achieve its £1.5m target visit www.rspcasussexchichester.org.uk.