Ten year anniversary

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News Release

19th June 2012

THE RSPCA HALIFAX, HUDDERSFIELD & DISTRICT BRANCH

Join us in the Piece Hall on Saturday July 21st 12 noon - 4.00pm to celebrate the success of the RSPCA, Elderly Animal Rehoming Scheme (EARS)

The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield & District branch are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Elderly Animal Re-homing Scheme known affectionately as EARS.

Join us for a fun filled day on Saturday July 21st, 12 noon - 4.00pm in The Piece Hall Halifax. Local entertainer Neil Hurst will be comparing the event and dogs 10 years and over and their owners are invited to take part in the Dog Plod Parade, children are invited to take part in an animal theme fancy dress competition and there will be the presentation of awards. In addition there will be stalls, games, raffle and refreshments. Admission to the Piece Hall is free.

The scheme was the brainchild of Animal Centre Manager, Julie Cockcroft, who in 2001 became concerned about the number of older cats and dogs that were being overlooked because they were 10 years or older. These animals often come into RSPCA care because their owners are themselves suffering from ill-health or have died. Few prospective adopters want to take on older animal, mainly because of the financial implication.

To alleviate these animal's stress at suddenly becoming homeless and to facilitate rehoming, in 2002 we launched the EARS Scheme to provide support and assistance to members of the public over 18 years of age wishing to home an elderly animal.

The Scheme has gone from strength to strength and has been recognised by the RSPCA nationally winning the Marina Arnsby Award presented to the branch for the most innovative rehoming.

The scheme has provided homes for hundreds of elderly dogs and cats, some of course have now sadly passed on, but the scheme currently supports 122 cats and 61 dogs enjoying their twilight years in new homes, with nine cats and one dog currently in foster homes waiting to find new loving owners.

Amongst the adopters is former international rugby league player Keith Senior who said, "I saw Blue on the RSPCA website and was smitten. The story of her appalling background really touched me and I felt able to give her a loving home for her twilight years. The EARS scheme was explained to me and has many benefits. It is understandable that some people are put off adopting an older animal due to concerns about large vet bills etc but the EARS scheme is fantastic and really put my mind at ease. Blue now has a happy life and is spoilt rotten and I wouldn't swap her for the world. She has made friends with our 3 RSPCA feral cats and truly part of the family. My partner has even recently done some dog agility with her! She becomes more confident as every week goes on and is rolling back the years. I can't recommend the EARS scheme highly enough"

Julie Cockroft said "Although the Scheme was set up originally to help animals it has given many older people themselves who thought they would never be able to own a pet, a new lease of life,

many of our existing members have expressed how much this has improved and changed their lives"

Mrs. Barlow, the adopter of Dillon, an 11yr old dog said, "I have always owned dogs but at the age of 70 I thought I wouldn't be able to afford one or cope by myself. I adopted Dillon on the EARS Scheme and it has opened up a whole new world to me, not only do I meet people at the RSPCA Centre and at the events they run but also in my local park where I go to walk Dillon every day. I have no relatives so this Scheme gives me peace of mind knowing that Dillon will always be cared for."

For further information about the EARS Scheme and Celebration please contact the RSPCA Animal Centre on 01422 365628 or enquiries@rspca-halifax.org.uk or visit the website

www.rspca-halifaxandhuddersfield.org.uk

Ends

For further information in connection with this press release please contact Kath Airey on 07796543303

Further Information about the Scheme

EARS Scheme Benefits
The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield and District Animal Centre will reduce the cost of adoption to only £5 for these dogs and cats but will still undertake to fully vaccinate, worm, deflea, microchip and neuter (unless advised by the vet) and provide behavioural advice.

The animal will be fully checked over by our vet to ensure it is in good health at the time of adoption and will also have been assessed for temperament.

Then for a monthly payment of £5.00 per month to the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield and District Branch, the adopter receives an ID card which qualifies the animal to benefit from the following at the RSPCA Halifax , Huddersfield and District Branch clinic.

  • A Booster vaccination and health check once a year
  • Routine worming tablets and flea treatment
  • Access to our Animal Centre vet during routine clinic times at £5.00 per consultation
  • All current and future medication will be offered at a discounted price
  • Prescription diets and senior food will be offered at a discounted price
  • Euthanasia at RSPCA Animal Centre
  • Bereavement service
  • 24 hour emergency phone incase the adopter has a personal emergency
  • Emergency cover if an owner is hospitalized i.e temporary 2 week foster care, dog walking and help with shopping for dog/cat food
  • Discount cremation service IF REQUIRED
  • Discount grooming from
  • Transport to our Clinic where necessary
  • Grants for emergency treatment/elective surgery dependant on the buoyancy of the Scheme

Many local vets are participating in the Scheme and will allow members a discount in the region of 15-20%. This applies only to elective surgery and the emergency treatment of accidents, sudden illness, injury, hospitalization and emergency euthanasia.

In the event of the Scheme member becoming ill or hospitalised, a 24 hour telephone number is available. Arrangements will be immediately made to collect the animal and place it into temporary foster care.

Adopters who do not wish to join the Scheme can still adopt one of our Elderly animals at 50% of the usual adoption fee.

Should the adopter at any time become unable to look after the animal, we will then arrange for it to be returned to us and to be rehomed again via the Scheme