A Preston animal shelter has been temporarily closed due to concerns it is ‘not meeting high standards’ expected by its parent organisation.

RSPCA Preston and District will not be taking in any new animals and is closed to the public from Wednesday (6 December).

A statement from the Preston branch said they are in the process of moving all the animals in their care at the Longridge Road centre to its Liverpool, Southport and Blackpool RSPCA centres.

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A statement from the RSPCA: “RSPCA Preston & District Branch animal centre is not taking in any animals at the moment and will be temporarily closed to the public from Wednesday to address concerns that the operation of the centre was not meeting the normal high standards we would expect.

“All of the animals at the site – which includes dogs, cats and rabbits – are being transferred to other RSPCA facilities in the short term.

“The branch, supported by national society staff, is working to reopen the centre in the near future.”

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Laura Gunson, who organises an annual delivery of supplies to the RSPCa in Preston ahead of the Christmas rush, said she was astounded by the news of the closure.

She and 35 bikers dropped more than £500 worth of animal food, blankets and other items at the centre on Sunday (3 December).

Laura said: “They haven’t told me where the supplies will be going, or why they accepted them in the first place knowing they were closing down.

“I heard this might be happening early last week and contacted they centre directly to ask them.

“They said they would be open as normal. Two days after they receivce the supplies this happens.

“I have no idea where the supplies currently are as they would not allow us into the centre at all this year, unlike other years, even to help carry everything through to the reception area.

“I am angry and upset at the whole situation and feel as though I, and my fellow volunteers, have been lied to.

“It’s unfair on the animals and everyone who put time and money in on Sunday.”

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: “The branch is extremely grateful to our supporters for this kind donation.

“This is a temporary, short term closure and we are working to reopen the centre soon but we are contacting the biker group to see if they would prefer their donation to be sent to other local RSPCA branches and centres.”

Anyone wanting to re-home an animal can contact the following RSPCA centres:

RSPCA Southport Branch Animal Centre, New Cut Lane, Southport PR8 3DW Tel: 01704567624
email: info@rspcasouthport.co.uk
RSPCA Liverpool Branch Animal Centre, Higher Road, Halewood, Liverpool L26 9TX Tel: 01514861706
website:
RSPCA Blackpool Branch Animal Centre, Old Toms Lane, Stalmine, Poulton-le-Fylde FY6 0JR Tel: 01253703000
email: enquiries@rspcablackpool.org.uk