RSPCA: Pioneering centre celebrates 50 years of rescues & rehoming
Pioneering centre celebrates 50 years of rescues & rehoming
West Hatch anniversary
Monday 17 June 2013
A centre famed across the world for its pioneering work in rescuing oiled birds and locally for finding new homes for pets celebrates its 50th anniversary next Friday (June 21).
RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife and Animal Centre marks the milestone with a special event at its site in Taunton, Somerset.
It is a unique facility in that it has three parts – an animal centre which cares for abused and neglected pets and finds them new homes, an on-site office for RSPCA inspectors and the wildlife centre which rehabilitates wild animals before releasing them back into nature.
The wildlife team at West Hatch has been in the spotlight this year after they cared for hundreds of seabirds washed ashore covered in a lethal sticky substance called polyisobutene in February and April. The consecutive incidents were just the latest in a string of oiled bird disasters, from the SS Torrey Canyon in 1967 to MCS Napoli in 2007, in which the centre has played a pivotal role.
Peter Venn, manager of the Wildlife Centre, said: “It is sadly apt that the seabirds suffered this heartbreaking plight this very year.
“From its early years West Hatch has been known for its expertise in this area. Founder John Hughes had a real passion for wildlife. He not only set up one of the first ever wildlife centres here, but his methods of rehabilitating wild animals, especially oiled birds, set precedents around the world.
“It is just a shame that this work is still needed. Despite such leaps forward in treating the animals there are still the same problems of man-made substances causing such damage in the first place.”
The domestic animal centre rehomes up to 200 dogs each year, as well as hundreds of other animals like cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. It prides itself on turning around the lives of the many animals in its care which are brought into the centre by RSPCA officers, often with behavioural issues from the abuse or neglect they have suffered.
One Staffie cross called Kos (pictured) was brought to the centre after problems he had fighting with his siblings. Following some careful and expert training, it was found he had the aptitude to be trained up to become a sniffer dog for the police.
Anita Clark, acting manager of the West Hatch Animal Centre, said: “We are very proud of our staff for persevering with difficult animals. Kos was a huge success story and the perfect example of how all dogs, whatever their breed or background, do not deserve to be stereo-typed and can go on to have a happy and fulfilling life.
“Over the years we have cared for and rehomed thousands of dogs, cats and smaller pets – many of them victims of terrible neglect or abuse. With time and care their lives have been turned around, and they have gone on to find new loving homes.”
West Hatch relies entirely on public donations and can only carry out this vital work with your help. If you would like to donate please visit: http://www.google.com/url?q=http://choices.rspca.org.uk/Appeal/west-hatch&sa=D&usg=ALhdy2_4qpxrV-28uPNpO5do2lEl5BMZmw
Notes to editors
The anniversary event, which is invitation only, will start from 1pm at West Hatch on Friday and press and photographers are welcome to come and film the animals. Please contact Katya Mira on 0300 123 0290/ 07969352878 or katya.mira@rspca.org.uk. if you wish to attend.
John Hughes was the first warden of the RSPCA Wildlife Unit which was founded the Little Creech centre in 1963, and established the wildlife wing as a separate unit shortly afterwards.
John was renowned for his pioneering methods of oiled bird rehabilitation and was one of the first to talk about treating internal injuries caused by the birds ingesting the oil as well as washing it from their feathers.
More information and images about Kos the staffie retrained as a police sniffer dog is available on request. He will be at the event and available to pose for pictures..
Interviews and images are available on request.
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
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