Dogs were removed from a rescue centre in Walsall following growing concern from volunteers. The Rosedene Rescue Centre located in the West Midlands is being pressured to close permanently. Volunteers are extremely angry with the inadequate conditions that the dogs have been living in.
All remaining dogs were removed following safety concerns resulting in the establishment being temporarily closed. The centre is said to be reopening under new management and a full renovation of the site is proceeding.
Volunteers Motivated to Help Suffering Dogs
The volunteers believed that the overall condition of the Rosedene Rescue Centre had been in decline for several years. Along with the kennels, the state of the volunteer and visitor areas were questionable.
Given the circumstances, the volunteers are said to have done the best they could. They were determined to care for the dogs by feeding, cleaning and exercising them regularly and taking them to the vet.
Apparent Health Risks Prompted Further Action
However, the conditions became bad enough that the welfare of the dogs was at risk. The animals were made to live in freezing conditions and locked in cages that were soiled throughout the day. Many ailments were affecting the dogs, which include: diarrhoea, eye infections and skin sores. Without the efforts of the volunteers, none of the dogs would have received the necessary medical attention.
Working alongside other dog rescue organisations and individuals, the centre volunteers managed to evacuate all remaining dogs. Overall, fifteen additional organisations and dog transporters were heavily involved in the rescue. Former centre volunteers have set up a Just Giving Page to raise funds for the operation costs.
Evacuating the Rescue Centre
Ten dogs were transported to an emergency boarding centre, one went directly to a kennels and another was moved to another rescue centre. Three dogs are in foster homes, being cared for before moving to rescue centres. It has been stated that all the dogs are now being properly cared for with heated runs and outdoor areas to properly exercise in daily.
The Problem Might Not Be Over
No dogs remain at Rosedene Rescue Centre, but present renovations are underway and is due to re-open in the next two to three weeks
A petition has been launched to close the site permanently. The council has stated that the premises were inspected and was seen to meet the “required standards”. This was prior to an issuing of a license which allows the Rosedene Rescue Centre to operate as a pet shop selling dogs to the public but not to operate as a rescue centre.
The centre has previously had dogs taken away from the premises. During 2010, 56 dogs were taken by the RSPCA after reports of poor conditions and a subsequent raid. In this instance, three dogs had to be put down. Even so, the centre was reopened therefore the determination of the volunteers to permanently close the centre can be easily understood.