Football Stars Champion Animal Welfare at Endangered RSPCA Shelter
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, players from Accrington Stanley swapped the football pitch for the kennels at RSPCA Lancashire East in Altham, bringing attention to the shelter's dire financial situation. The facility, which has been a beacon of hope for neglected and abused dogs since the 1970s, is at risk of shutting down by the end of March unless it can secure approximately £15,000 each month to sustain its operations.
Meeting the Rescued Dogs and Hearing Their Stories
During the visit, the athletes interacted with several dogs whose lives have been transformed by the shelter's efforts. Among them were Bonnie, a patterdale terrier rescued from the cruel practice of badger baiting; Butters, a bull lurcher who arrived in a severely ill condition; and Gus, a French bulldog saved from a distressing multi-dog hoarding case. These encounters underscored the critical rehabilitation work performed at the centre, preparing animals for loving forever homes.
Players Share Emotional Insights and Personal Connections
Defender Faz Rawson, who once harboured ambitions of becoming a zookeeper, expressed deep empathy for the animals. "Seeing all those dogs opens your heart," he said. "Dogs are a person’s best friend and they don’t have a voice, so we need to be their voice. Places like this are vital." His teammate Connor O’Brien echoed this sentiment, describing the day as a dream come true. "It’s been a dream day - playing football in the morning and then playing with dogs! The shelter does amazing work and we need to help keep it open for the dogs and the community."
Young player Freddie Sass formed an instant bond with Timmy, a dog who was fostered and adopted through the shelter's programmes. "I want to take Timmy home!" he exclaimed. "It’s sad what some dogs go through, so shelters like this are so important."
Shelter Manager Appeals for Urgent Community Support
Jeanette Ainscough, the animal care manager at RSPCA East Lancashire, praised the football club's involvement. "The support from Accrington Stanley has been wonderful," she stated. "Many of the dogs we care for can’t go straight into homes, so our rehabilitation work is vital. We hope the community helps us raise the funds we need to stay open." She emphasised that the shelter's closure would leave a significant gap in animal welfare services across Lancashire.
How the Public Can Contribute to the Cause
The shelter is calling on local residents and animal lovers to assist in its survival efforts. Supporters can make a difference by joining the Safe Haven Scheme, which provides ongoing financial assistance, or by making a one-off donation through platforms like JustGiving. Every contribution helps ensure that dogs like Bonnie, Butters, and Gus continue to receive the care and second chances they deserve.
This initiative highlights the powerful role that sports figures can play in raising awareness for charitable causes, blending athletic passion with compassionate action to safeguard a cherished community resource.
