First look at new £1.7m RSPCA base

PAW PATROL . . . John Duffy, RSPCA, with Barney, who is up for adoption.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

OLDHAMERS got their first glimpse of the new RSPCA centre in Strinesdale when it opened to the public on Sunday.

The £1.7million centre, which became operational last Wednesday, welcomed the public on Sunday from noon until 4pm when visitors spoke with staff, saw the animal accommodation, and viewed the operating theatre and new shop.

The dog kennels were not open on the day, but free access was granted to the cattery.

The centre will reach out to the community to educate people on how best to treat an animal and will inform children from an early age by inviting classes from schools to give them a hands on experience with the animals.

Other plans include bringing in student vets to learn their trade as they work beside qualified vets.

Deputy Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Shadab Qumer, said: "The centre is absolutely fantastic. What a turnaround with the building.

"Pets are for life and not just certain times like Christmas. That has got to be the message that is put out there. They are family members."

Valerie Harley said: "It is absolutely beautiful. It is so spacious and the animals are lovely - especially when compared to what it used to be.

"It will be good for the children who come in from the schools to see the live animals."

Wayne Clegg, who volunteers with animal rescue and the RSPCA, said: "The centre is important. It is important to educate children because you will get people who get a pet and look after it for a couple of months and then dump it on the centre's doorstep."

The project has been in action since Emmanuel Whittaker began work at the Holgate Street site in February last year.

However, the RSPCA emphasised that none of this would have been possible without public donations.

Earlier this year, Oldham chartered surveyors Breakey & Nuttall launched a £50,000 Challenge to help raise funds.

About £30,000 is still required to pay for finishing touches and organisers welcome funds.

To donate visit rspca-buryoldham.org.uk/help-us-build-our-animal-centre/