In need of a loving new home

28th January 2010

These friendly-looking faces belong to two elderly goats who are in need of a nice nw home where they can live out their remaining years.

Brothers Frankie and Georgie were taken into Chesterfield's RSPCA centre more than a month ago after their previous owner was forced to give them up because he was struggling to look after them.

The 16-year-old goats are in good condition and need a fenced-off grassy area for grazing and a draught-proof shelter filled with straw where they can sleep.

Richard Woodwards, centre manager, said that the animals are similar to dogs in some ways because they ned grooming, will follow you around and enjoy being stroked and fussed.

"They are so, so friendly, so cuddly," he said. "They will make an absolutely fantastic pet for someone with the right facilities."

Anyone who can give the goats a home can visit the animal centre or call 01246 273358.

• Homeless: Goat brothers Frankie and Georgie, with animal care assistant Julie Ludlam and Fern Taylor, work experience volunteer

Wintry spell leaves pets out in cold

20th January 2010

Staff at Chesterfield's RSPCA centre are urging residents to support the charity after animal adoption rates and donations were badly hit by the recent wintry weather.

Visitor numbers to the Spital Lane centre dropped by around 50% during the big freeze, meaning that animal adoptions have fallen and many cats, dogs and small animals have not found new homes.

Donations of cash, pet food and bric-a-brac were all affected by the weather, with takings at the RSPCA's charity shop in Chesterfield also dropping by around half during recent weeks.

Richard Woodwards, centre manager, said: "The weather was atrocious and it has caused us many problems. Everything was affected, the whole running of and infrastructure of the animal centre.

"It was a really, really trying time and financially it was an absolute nightmare."

The icy roads around the centre have caused problems in animal food deliveries, prevented volunteers from getting in and meant that the bins were not emptied for three weeks.

Problems with getting out and about in the snow and ice also caused cancellations of health-checks for animals awaiting re-homing and of inspection visits of prospective new homes – both causing further delays in adoptions.

Extra pressure was placed on the charity's finances by increased grit prices and the need for more food as animals ate more to keep themselves warm.

Now, after the snow has thawed and things return to normal, Richard is urging people to do their bit.

"If you are thinking about taking on a new family pet for the new year, please come and pay us a visit.

"Also use the charity shop – any revenues we can scrape back will go towards the safe-keeping of the animals."

• Adopt us please: Puppies Boyce and Rose with animal care assistant Rebecca Kennel

(Both puppies have now found loving homes, thank you.)

Stray cats' influx fuels cut-price micochip

26th November 2009

Chesterfield RSPCA is offering a cut-price microchipping service after seeing a huge increase in the number of cats brought into the centre.

Manager Richard Woodwards said the branch had taken in a "massive" amount of strays which had not been microchipped making it difficult to reunite them with their owners.

Now the charity is offering the service for £6.99 at its branch on Spital Lane until the end of the month.

"If cats are microchipped we can reunite them with their owners if they get lost," said Richard.

Anyone wanting to book their cat in should call 01246 273358. Anyone wanting to adopt a cat from the centre can call the same number or visit the cat adoption pages to view some of the cats currently looking for loving homes.

• Animal Care Assistant Beverley Williamson microchipping one of the cats

Home-hunting...parrot fashion

14th October 2009

Who's a pretty boy then? Beckett the African Grey parrot is hoping someone will think he is as he searches for a new home.

The parrot, who is about 12 years old, is one of three currently being cared for at Chesterfield's RSPCA centre on Spital Lane.

Centre manager Richard Woodwards said it was an unusually high number of birds to have in at one time.

"In the eight years I have worked here we have only had two or three parrots," he said.

"To have three in means it is a major task to find suitable homes."
"Parrots live for 50 to 60 years and are a huge commitment."

As well as Beckett, the centre is also looking for a home for another African Grey called Jacko who is about five years old and Jo Jo a Blue-fronted Amazon who is thought to be 20 years old.

Richard said potential owners should be experienced with parrotts and very committed.

Anyone interested in the birds can contact the centre on 01246 273358

• Richard Woodwards with Beckett

(all parrots have now found loving homes, thank you.)

Moggy mob sparks mircochip month

14th May 2009

Animal lovers who fear losing their pets are being urged to take advantage of the RSPCA's microchip month.

The centre, on Spital Lane, is offering to fit pets with micro-chips and register them at a discount during June so if any go missing they can be traced back to the owners.

Centre manager Richard Woodwards said: "People may never be reunited with their missing pets if they're not microchipped and the number of homeless animals which come to us increases."

By scanning the microchip fitted under the animal's skin, a number can be matched with a register of the owner's details including name, address and contact phone number so the two can be reunited.

Chesterfield RSPCA is also prompting existing, micro-chipped pet owners to update registration details if they have moved home.

Mr Woodwards added: "We believe very strongly in this system so when all our animals are rehomed with new owners they are all microchipped.

"But we've currently been inundated with stray cats and there is a trend where many have not had microchip addresses updated so they can't be reunited with owners."

The centre microchips pets including ferrets, rabbits, dogs and cats, for £15 but is offering the service for £9.99 during next month.

Those interested in taking up the offer or adopting a cat are urged to call the centre on (01246) 273358.

• Chipped: Animal care assistant Beverley Williamson scans stray cat Teddy to see if he is microchipped