About Us
Our mission: RSPCA – Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
For sixty years now Volunteers and local RSPCA Inspectors have fought to prevent cruelty to innocent animals in the Ashford, Tenterden and District (Romney Marsh) area. Every month the Committee of Trustees meets to discuss how we can raise funds and raise awareness in our efforts to fulfil our mission.
Ever since it was set up, this Branch of the RSPCA has been an important part of Ashford life, having its magnificent Branch Building in the centre of Ashford, built in 1964 from funds donated by The RSPCA Supporters Association, its Founder, C P F Aldrich Esq, a Legacy from the late Mrs H J Greenaway and assisted by a generous bequest from the late R S Oakley Esquire.
The RSPCA Kent: Ashford, Tenterden & District Branch is dedicated to helping every kind of animal, domestic or wild, that may be in danger. Domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats, were until recently looked after by local private kennels and catteries willing to help with the care of rescued animals. In April 2006 a wonderful new Cat Rehoming Centre was completed and to date (1 June 2011) 1862 cats have been through our doors and 1701 have been rehomed, thanks to the dedicated hard work of our staff and volunteers.
As the Branch building is located in Ashford, most activities have been centred in the town. However, the Branch is anxious to spread its activities to Tenterden and New Romney in particular, incorporating the villages and areas near both those towns. Presently we have an excellent shop in Willesborough, but our aspirations include the opening of shops in both towns, and the Committee would welcome any information or support from those communities in achieving our dreams.
Since opening our Cattery, a small band of paid Staff have joined us and of course our Volunteers in the Willesborough Shop and in the Cattery play a crucial role in making the Branch what it is today, known within the National Society of the RSPCA as a successful, strong Branch.
Every month the Inspectors tell us of the latest atrocities that have occurred in our area – often the stories are heartbreaking and often they make us angry, and ashamed that humans can stoop so low as to hurt vulnerable animals. Sometimes we are given good news – an animal rescued, an animal happily rehomed, a person stopped from owning an animal they have mistreated. Sometimes the negligence or harm caused is due to lack of understanding – and much of the work carried out by us and the Inspectors is in advising and educating people to understand their animals better.
The work is rewarding and we are proud of what we do. Volunteering can bring a new dimension into your life, and not only benefits the animals, but gives you a chance to make new friends. Please look at our Volunteering page to see how you might be able to help. You’ll be most welcome!!
Neutering Voucher Scheme
As a responsible pet owner, you simply must get your pets neutered. For those people on certain State Benefit the Branch offers the opportunity to have their animals neutered at a lower cost through the Neutering Voucher Scheme. Telephone 01233 641189 and leave a message if you think you are eligible for this absolutely crucial service.
Willesborough Charity Shop
The running of the Cattery would not be possible without funds raised through events, and particularly as the result of the RSPCA Shop in Willesborough. This venture is run entirely by volunteers, who spend many hours a week sorting and presenting donated goods for sale.
- 18 February 2012, Saturday - From 1pm
- Jumble Sale
- Kennington WI Hall
Come and fill a bag of clothes for a fiver!
Lots of bargains to be found: books, clothes, bric a brac etc.
There will also be light refresments.- 21 April 2012, Saturday - 11am - 4pm
- Cattery open Day
- Ashford Garden Cattery, 34 Station Road, Ashford, Kent, Tn23 1PH
Come along to our popular open day!
Browse around our various stalls.
Try one of our homemade cakes or have something off the barbeque.- 30 April 2012, Monday - All week
- Tesco week
- Tesco
Find your local RSPCA collecting outside your local Tesco (food donations welcome).
- 27 May 2012, Sunday - Regestration from 10.30am
- Fun Dog Show
- Willesborough Windmill
Come along to our dogshow and enter into one of our classes, or have a go on our dog agility course.
Various stalls will include a tombola, doggy lucky dip, dog toys etc.
A demonstration from Lowland rescue will open the show.
The windmill will be offering refresments and a barbeque.