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 (17 May 2010) 1500 cats have been through our doors and 1382 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!!
Voucher Scheme
For those people on State Benefit the Branch offers the opportunity to have their animals neutered at a very low cost, through the Voucher Scheme. Telephone 01233 641189 and leave a message if you think you are eligible for this worthwhile service.
Cat Neutering
An important activity of the Branch is to support the work carried out in the RSPCA Mobile Cat Neutering Van. This van is run and maintained by our Regional Headquarters, offering people on State Benefit a wonderful service for approximately £15, to have their cat(s) neutered. The van tries to visit Ashford and surrounding areas twice a year so please telephone 01233 641189 if you have a cat that should be neutered and you are on Benefit.
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.
- 08 August 2010, Sunday - 10am - 5pm
- Classic Car & Craft Day
- Beech Court Gardens
Come along with the family for summer fun!
- 14 August 2010, Saturday - 2pm - 5pm
- Stanhope Community Fun Day
- Linden Grove Primary School
Come along with the family for some summer fun!
- 14 August 2010, Saturday - All day
- A Day at the Ashford Town Centre Bandstand!
- Ashford Town Centre Bandstand
Come help us raise awareness of the great work we do for the local Ashford animals!!
- 04 September 2010, Saturday - 11am to 4pm
- Cattery Open Day
- 34 Station Road, Ashford TN23 1PH
The Autumn Event at the Cattery - come and see the cats and join in the fun in front of the Branch building! We will be offering £10 microchipping - dogs, cats, ferrets & rabbits. The animals MUST be secure - leads & safe carriers! Get your lunch - burgers (veggie ones too)! Tea, coffee and lots of delicious goodies to munch on! Put it in your diary and please join us! Please note that there is no parking as we use our tiny car park for stalls. Please park in the nearby public car parks!
- 19 September 2010, Sunday - Times to be confirmed
- Hothfield Village Fete
- Hothfield Village Green
Join us at this great event! We will have stalls, £10 microchipping - cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets. The animals MUST be secure - leads & safe carriers! Come see the RSPCA Southeast Cat Neutering Bus!
- 09 October 2010, Saturday - All day!
- Tenterden Street Collection
- Various sites around the town.
Come help us raise much needed funds!
- 13 November 2010, Saturday - 11am to 4pm
- Annual Christmas Craft Fair
- Tenterden Junior School
Come find those special Christmas gifts and RSPCA goodies!!