About Us
The Animal Centre
The Warrington Animal Centre (originally known as the Harold Hallwood Home for Animals) opened in October 1984 thanks primarily to a £20,000 legacy from Tom Forster in honour of his long-time cat companion Tibby. Although the legacy was given in 1979 and planning permission gained in 1981 (see newspaper clippings from then), it took several years for the Centre to be established as it was built largely through volunteer labour, led and organised by Harold Hallwood (died November 2009) then vice-chairman of the branch.
Since its opening, the Centre has re-homed thousands of animals. The Centre featured regularly on Channel 4's, "Pet Rescue" program in the late 1990s.
More recently, the branch has undergone major refurbishments to maintain and improve the facilities in line with the requirements of legislation and the minimum standards set by the RSPCA.
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In 2003, we built a new 12-kennel dog block specifically for case animals (brought in by the inpectors) needing extra care and attention and for nursing bitches with puppies.
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In June 2008, a new cattery, dog isolation unit, miscellaneous unit and vet facility was completed. Costing a total of £720,000, the project was the culmination of 5 years of fundraising, donations and legacies and provides a state of the art facility. We would especially like to thank the Altrincham RSPCA branch for their generous donation of £150,000. Sam Aston (Chesney Battersby-Brown of Coronation Street) did the honours at the opening.
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We followed this in February 2009 by fencing off some of our land to provide a much needed dog exercise area where the dogs can be taken and let off the lead to have a good run around and a play. Since it's opening, our staff have noticed that our dogs seem to be much less stressed.
Looking around the Animal Centre
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This branch serves a wide geographical area - click the map to see details on a larger version. |
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Our Animal First Aid Clinics Widnes Clinic - Staffed by a paid vet and volunteers, this opened in 1937 at Mill Brow thanks to a Mrs Barrett of Widnes who donated part of her land for the clinic which was built as a wooden hut with basic facilities. Due to a shortage of volunteers the clinic was closed but reopened in 1986 after an appeal for help in the Widnes Weekly News. It closed again in 1995 when the attending vet was unable to continue. In 1996, the clinic was able to continue when Mrs Morris of Halton View Veterinary Centre offered the use of her premises and assistant vet for one hour per week. Unfortunately, this arrangement ended after approximately four years and, sadly, drew the clinic work in Widnes to an end. (Historical note: See a 1952 newspaper clipping about the rescue of Star, a 19 year old mare). Runcorn Clinic - First opened in the 1940s at Station Road in Runcorn. In the late 1950s it was transferred to a new building in Windmill Street, where it stands today. It is also staffed by a paid vet and volunteers. Sometimes volunteers hold a monthly jumble sale on a Saturday morning at the clinic. (Historical note: Opposite the clinic, there used to be a garage housing a Robin Reliant which was used to collect stray animals, taking dogs to the police station and the cats and small animals to a Mrs Wilkes to be rehomed.) |
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Our Charity Shops St Helens - our first charity shop at 22 Bridge Street, St Helens was opened April 29, 2010 by Steve Prescott, a one-time Rugby League player for St Helens, thanks to a grant from the national RSPCA society. It sells good quality clothing, household goods, books etc. |
