Mount Noddy animal rescue centre launches £1.5m appeal to fund refurbishment

The charity branch, which also covers the Littlehampton, Arundel and Rustington area, needs to raise more than £1.5 million to complete the Mount Noddy build, which will enable the shelter to help hundreds more animals.

Refurbishing the building will cost £3.42 million in total, with more than half the cost having been provided by a large legacy left to the branch.

Bruce Fogle, the bestselling author and vet, and president of the RSPCA branch, 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.”

Work on The Big Build at Eartham starts in January and is scheduled to take a year.

The shelter is more than 50 years old and investment in the new kennels and cattery will enable the branch to help hundreds more animals and create the facilities and support they need to recover.

Su Botherway, Animal Centre Manager, 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.”

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.

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 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.”

Find out more at www.rspcasussexchichester.org.uk