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Animal charity forced to move due to regeneration

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre A woman with dark red hair, wearing dark clothing, pets a small black dog. The dog has its tongue out, and the woman is smilingBristol Animal Rescue Centre
The animal rescue centre has been on its site for 125 years

An animal rescue centre is to move from its home of 125 years because construction work is making it "harder for animals to recover".

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre first opened on Albert Road in the St Phillips Marsh area of Bristol in 1901.

But the charity said the site is now "enveloped by building works, heavy traffic, dust, and near-constant noise from the regeneration".

"While our mission hasn't changed, the environment around us has," says Mike Coe, the centre's interim CEO said.

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre A drone shot of the Bristol Animal Rescue Centre site. There are buildings in the middle and a river to the right. In the top right of the image is a blue bridge.Bristol Animal Rescue Centre
The Bristol Animal Rescue Centre said neighbouring development was stressing its animals

"The area was in need of regeneration but it's no longer the calm refuge our animals need," he added.

"It's time to look forward, and try to find a space that allows our animals, our staff, and our community to breathe again and allow other communities to develop this space."

The centre added that their current location has no green space to walk dogs, so they need to be "transported off-site just to stretch their legs in secure fields".

Cats and other small animals, additionally, are "affected by dust, noise and vibrations, leading to heightened stress levels".

Bee Lawson, a Dog Behaviour Specialist, said: "Our rescue centre should be a place of calm where animals can heal and recover but right now, it's a very challenging environment."

The centre is now looking for a new home and has launched a fundraiser.

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