THE Pennine Pen Animal Rescue charity in Oldham is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary this month.
The charity, which was founded by Michael Waugh in 2001, provides sanctuary to unwanted or abandoned animals while trying to find them a forever home.
The charity’s animal centre on Honeywell Lane, Oldham is normally home to around eight dogs and 30 cats at a time.
All animals at the centre are microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and neutered to prevent unwanted litters and the spread of disease.
Dena Dessoky, a trustee at the charity who started as a volunteer eight years ago, said the centre is “constantly looking to improve the environment and welfare of its animal residents.”
Just last week the centre completed works on a huge outdoor cat area.
The new cat area at Pennine Pen.
The centre provided Kenny, a Pakistani Mastiff who was abandoned on a nearby street emaciated and very close to death, a forever home up until his passing last year.
Kenny the Pakistani Mastiff with a member of staff from the centre.
Rio has now replaced Kenny as the new permanent resident due to his behavioural issues.
The charity ensures that no healthy animals are put to sleep if they can have a good quality of life.
Dena described being able to take in dogs at the centre that can not be safely homed as “really special”.
Rio.
The charity has experienced a surge in the number of dogs and puppies being dropped off at its rescue centre post lockdown, including an 11-month-old that had not been socialised during the pandemic.
Dena warned: “Dogs who aren’t socialised at a young age end up having aggression issues and become reactive to other dogs which can become dangerous.”
Discussing the increase in abandoned dogs at the centre, she said: “It’s really sad to see. People have been saying they can no longer handle the responsibilities of caring for a dog.”
The trustee has urged people to be more open to rescuing and has called on those considering a puppy to weigh-up whether they can afford a dog walker, dog day care and any unexpected vet bills. She added that families should also contemplate whether their children and existing pets will be able to adapt to a new dog and whether their property is suitable.
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