First look inside Chesterfield RSPCA's new kennels and cattery

New kennels at Chesterfield RSPCA centre.

Twenty-six new kennels and a 22-pen cattery have been operational since this time last year but the public have been unable to see them because of lockdown.

Steph McCawley, supporter engagement officer at RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, said: "We were delighted to move our animals into their new homes at the centre and have not been able to share this with all the wonderful people who have supported us and helped us get to this point.

"The new kennels and cattery provide a safer, spacious and warmer environment until they find their new loving homes.”

New dog kennels at Chesterfield RSPCA centre.

The original building which housed the reception, pet shop, kennels and cattery was built in the 1960s and was out of date with current standards.

Work is currently underway on the second stage of the improvement work. New dog and cat isolation units away from the main kennels and cattery will enable injured or ill animals to recover in a quiet and hygenic area and there will be a pet shop and a new reception area in place of the existing outdated building.

Steph said: “We are also hoping to have an onsite veterinary room so the animals in our care can be treated on site.”

The £2m for the improvement work on the animal centre has been raised over the past five years, largely through public donations and fundraising events.

New puppy unit at the RSPCA animal welfare centre in Chesterfield.

Steph said: "Lockdown has had an impact with the second phase of the build however we are delighted to have builders working on the next part and

hope to have it finished by the end of 2021.”

While there is enough money to fund the new animal centre, the branch is still in need of donations to help with everyday costs such as veterinary treatment and food. The pandemic forced the temporary closure of the charity’s shop and scuppered plans for fundraising events.

Steph said: “One positive point for the centre is that we have still managed to rehome animals throughout lockdown through a remote rehoming process. Last year we rehomed over 300 cats and dogs.”

Donations can be made online at www.chesterfield-rspca.org.uk