RSPCA Chesterfield & Noth Derbyshire - Latest branch news & press

A little bit about the branch

The RSPCA Chesterfield Branch is an independent charity, which receives no financial assistance from RSPCA headquarters or the government.

Our main aim is to take in unwanted and abandoned animals and find them loving, lasting, permanent homes. This is never easy as the high volume of unwanted animals often far outweighs the suitable family homes needed. We always make sure that all the animals in our care have a comfortable and pleasant stay with us, giving them lots of TLC before they are re-homed.

We support the RSPCA inspectors by taking in their cruelty cases and abandoned animals. We give them loving care whilst their cases are pending.

The entire centres running costs, including staff wages, must be met by raising funds locally. We rely heavily on volunteers who support us in many ways, by helping with animals or shaking a tin on flag days.

Somehow we make every penny count and never compromise on animal welfare. Without the help of our volunteers and generous public donations, the animal centre would not be able to keep it's doors open.

A brief history of the RSPCA Chesterfield & North Derbyshire branch

The RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire branch is entirely self-funded and relies on public donations to keep its doors open. The branch came into existence many years ago on 7th April 1938. A centre was eventually opened in 1960 with the first of its annual reports being publish in 1961. The animal centre was originally a boarding establishment called 'Mayfield Kennels'. Back then there were 200 members with a target of £100 to achieve by the end of the first year of opening. The animal centre had a very basic kennel set-up with limited spaces and equipment.

A big turning point in the branch's history was a very important legacy left by Charlotte Mary Ward who passed away on the 7th January 1957. She dearly loved all animals and her legacy gave the animal centre £300,000 which continues to help a lot of animals to this present day. Through the years there have been many changes, but it has always been our main aim to re-home unwanted animals of Chesterfield & North Derbyshire into loving and permanent homes.

The animal centre is now licensed to kennel 50 dogs, 24 cats and various other small animals including rabbits, rodents, birds and livestock. As you can imagine tea times are very busy!

How we are funded

Although affiliated to the national RSPCA, we very rarely receive financial support from them for our running costs.

The support of the community is vital to the survival of the animal centre and the continuance of its work. We rely heavily upon the generosity of individuals, companies and groups to enable us to provide the care and support needed for unwanted local animals.

Our running costs are in excess of £270,000 and are met through donations, sponsorships, fundraising events and legacies.